How to Calm a Dog During Thunderstorms: 4 Steps to Start Before Storm Season
The best way to calm a dog during thunderstorms is to start before the first storm arrives. Build a calm routine now, set up a safe spot your dog can retreat to, watch the forecast so you're ready on storm days, and stay close and calm when the thunder rolls in.
Across much of Australia, storm season runs through the warmer months, roughly October to March. If your dog shook, panted or hid under the bed last summer, the weeks before the first big storm are when you can make the biggest difference.
What does a storm-stressed dog look like?
Some dogs make it obvious. Others are quieter about it. Common signs include:
- Shaking or trembling
- Panting when they aren't hot
- Pacing, or not being able to settle
- Hiding under beds, in the bathroom or behind the couch
- Sticking to you like glue
- Whining, barking or howling
- Drooling, or toileting inside
- Digging, scratching at doors or trying to get out
- Turning down food or a favourite treat
Many dogs start reacting well before you hear the first rumble. They pick up the drop in air pressure, the change in wind and the distant thunder long before we do. If your dog gets restless on a muggy afternoon for no clear reason, a storm may be on its way.
Step 1: Why should you start a calm routine before storm season?
A dog that already feels settled day to day has more in reserve when a storm hits. Trying to calm things down once the thunder has started is much harder than building calm in advance.
Start with the basics:
- Keep the day predictable. Walks, meals and bedtime at roughly the same times.
- Burn off energy early. A good walk or play session in the morning makes for a calmer afternoon.
- Practise "settle". Reward your dog for lying quietly on their bed, a few minutes at a time, on ordinary days. It becomes a familiar place to go when things get loud.
This is also the time to add Comfort & Calm to the daily routine. It's formulated from Australian native bush flowers for dogs and cats who struggle with storms, fireworks, being left alone or anything new. Seven drops given by mouth, with no chew to spit out. Starting it in the weeks leading into storm season means it's already part of the day when the first storm rolls in. On a storm day, it works best given about an hour before the storm is due, then again just before it arrives.
Australian bush flower essence for dogs and cats who shake, pace or hide in storms. Give it an hour before, then again just before. 85 doses a bottle.
For more everyday ideas, read our guide to calming a nervous dog naturally.
Step 2: Where should your dog's safe spot be?
Most dogs look for somewhere small and enclosed when they're frightened. Give them a good option before they choose the back of your wardrobe.
- Pick an inside room away from windows and skylights, like a laundry or hallway.
- Make it cosy. Their bed, a favourite blanket and something that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt.
- Use a crate if they like one. Drape a blanket over the top and sides to make a den, and leave the door open so they can come and go.
- Muffle the storm. Close curtains, and play the TV, soft music or a fan to soften the sound of thunder and rain on the roof.
- Let them use it on calm days too, so it's a good place, not only a storm place.
A spray on their bedding is an easy way to make the spot feel familiar. Comfort & Calm Spray is misted onto beds, crates and resting spots, and it's for dogs only (it contains organic essential oils that aren't suitable around cats).
“Spray her bed, give her dinner and shes on her bed sleeping. Great product!”
Belinda S. Comfort & Calm Spray
Mist their bed, crate or room to create a calm, familiar space when thunder is on the way. 100ml, dogs only.
Step 3: How do you prepare your dog on a storm day?
Go by the day, not the dog. Don't wait for your dog to start shaking. Check the forecast each morning through storm season, using the Bureau of Meteorology or its app, and switch into storm-day mode as soon as storms are predicted.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Check the forecast and warnings. Walk early, before the storm builds. |
| Early afternoon | Toilet break. Bring outdoor dogs inside. Check gates and fences are secure. |
| About an hour before | Give the first dose of Comfort & Calm drops. |
| Just before it arrives | Give the second dose, spray the safe spot and close the curtains. |
| Dinner | Feed a little earlier, so they eat before the storm arrives. |
| Any time | Make sure their collar tag and microchip details are up to date. |
That last point matters. Frightened dogs can jump fences and slip gates during storms, and an up-to-date microchip is the fastest way to get them home.
Step 4: How should you act during a storm?
Your dog takes cues from you. Stay close, keep your voice low and calm, and go about things as normally as you can.
- Comfort is fine. The old advice to ignore a scared dog has largely fallen away. If your dog comes to you, a calm hand on their side is okay.
- Let them hide. If they head to their safe spot, leave them there. Don't pull them out to check on them.
- Give them something to do. A lick mat, a long-lasting chew or a stuffed toy keeps them busy and gives them something to focus on.
- Try a simple game if they're up for it, like sniffing out hidden snacks or practising tricks they already know.
- Stay home if you can. On a stormy night, being with them is one of the best things you can do.
What should you avoid during a storm?
- Scolding or punishing a frightened dog. It adds fear, it doesn't take it away.
- Dragging them out of a hiding spot.
- Leaving them outside or tied up while a storm passes.
- Leaving them home alone, where you can avoid it.
- Getting flustered yourself. If you're tense, they notice.
★★★★★“He was so bad during thunder storms and fireworks … since being those drops he is amazing, no shaking, panting, or running around.”
Barbara, and her greyhound boy
What about cats during storms?
Cats tend to deal with storms by disappearing, and that's normal. Let them.
- Bring them inside before the storm arrives.
- Give them a covered box or a high perch to retreat to.
- Keep food, water and the litter tray within easy reach of their hiding spot.
Comfort & Calm drops are suitable for cats as well as dogs. The sprays are for dogs only. Not sure which blend fits your pet? The Blend Finder takes about a minute.
When should you talk to your vet?
Most storm nerves can be eased with the steps above. Talk to your vet if your pet:
- Hurts themselves trying to escape, or breaks through doors, windows or fences
- Takes hours to settle after a storm has passed
- Gets worse each season
- Starts reacting to other everyday sounds as well
Your vet can check for anything physical and talk you through other options, including a referral to a veterinary behaviourist.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs sense a storm coming?
Yes, many can. Dogs often react to the drop in air pressure, the shift in wind and distant thunder well before people notice anything. That's why some dogs get restless before a single drop of rain falls.
Should I comfort my dog during a thunderstorm?
Yes. Calm, gentle comfort won't make the fear worse. Keep your voice low, stay close and avoid fussing in a worried way.
Is it okay to put my dog in a crate during a storm?
If your dog already likes their crate, it can make a great den. Cover it with a blanket and leave the door open. Don't shut a frightened dog in a crate they aren't used to.
How early should I start preparing my dog for storm season?
Start now, before the first big storm. A few weeks of a calm routine, a familiar safe spot and practice settling on ordinary days gives your dog a head start.
What can I give my dog to help them stay calm during storms?
Start with routine, a safe spot and your calm company. Many owners add Comfort & Calm drops to the daily routine in the lead-up to storm season, then on storm days give them about an hour before the storm and again just before it hits. If your dog's reaction is severe, talk to your vet.
Get ready before the first storm
The drops for their daily routine, plus the spray for their safe spot.
Comfort & Calm Blend and Spray Bundle
Comfort & Calm drops and Comfort & Calm Spray together, for storm season and every loud night after it.
30-Day Right Product Guarantee. If it's not the right blend for your pet, we'll send you another one free.