How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe During Storms
When thunder rumbles and lightning flashes, stormy weather can send some dogs into a full tailspin. If your four-legged whānau member gets anxious during storms, you're not alone — many Kiwi dog parents face the same challenge. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we know storm-related anxiety can be tough to manage. The good news? There are plenty of gentle, effective ways to help keep your dog calm during storms and feel safe when the weather turns wild.
Why Dogs Get Anxious During Storms
Storm anxiety is incredibly common in dogs. Loud thunderclaps, barometric pressure changes, wind, and sudden flashes of lightning can all be triggers. Some dogs may also react to the static electricity in the air. Dogs’ acute hearing means what sounds like a distant rumble to us can be intense and overwhelming for them.
Signs of storm anxiety vary but might include pacing, panting, shaking, hiding, vocalising or trying to escape. For some breeds, like the Border Collie or Labrador, their sensitivity to sound and strong bonding with humans can heighten these reactions.
Create A Safe Space Indoors
One of the best things you can do is set up a cosy, quiet space where your dog can retreat to when a storm rolls in. A covered crate lined with soft bedding or a darkened room can go a long way in helping them feel secure.
Try placing their favourite dog plush toys or an old t-shirt that smells like you in their safe spot for added comfort. For extra cosiness, consider investing in specialised dog bedding that helps insulate sound and provides comfort under pressure.
Use Calming Products That Work With Their Needs
For dogs prone to anxiety, certain calming aids can make stormy nights a whole lot easier. Calming essentials for anxious dogs are available in the form of chews, sprays, and diffusers. These can help promote relaxation without sedation, especially when used long-term.
Some pup parents find success with ThunderShirts — snug-fitting wraps that apply gentle pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. Others like to pair this with natural aids such as Adaptil diffusers or sprays that mimic calming dog pheromones.
You'll find a wide range of storm-ready support in our dog anxiety & calming care section, carefully selected by our experts.
Draw Curtains, Drown Out The Noise
A little noise control can go a long way. Try to mask the thunder with other familiar sounds — calming music, white noise machines or even the TV can help reduce your dog's reaction to the unpredictable booms and cracks of a storm.
Closing windows and drawing the curtains can also reduce exposure to lightning flashes and stormy sights that may further agitate your dog. Turning on a fan can also help deflect some of the sounds and vibrations.
Stay Calm and Comfort, But Don’t Overdo It
Your dog looks to you for reassurance. If you’re calm, they're more likely to stay calm too. Speak in a gentle tone and offer physical touch like pats or gentle brushing if your dog seeks it. You might even want to try a LickiMat smeared with peanut butter or their favourite treat to redirect focus and keep them busy during the storm.
However, be careful not to reward anxious behaviour with overly affectionate attention, as this can reinforce fear. Instead, reward calm behaviour with training treats or a sniff session with a new toy.
Train Calm Behaviour With Desensitisation
Prevention is often the best medicine. Desensitisation involves gradually exposing your dog to low levels of storm sounds while rewarding calm behaviour. Over time, this can help reduce their stress response.
Use recordings of storm sounds at low volumes and pair them with positive experiences like meal time, a fun interactive toy, or a calming chew. Just be patient — it might take weeks or months to notice a difference. Some pet parents also find success with smart training tech as part of a supervised behaviour programme.
When To Call In The Pros
If your dog’s storm anxiety feels extreme or isn’t improving with these techniques, it may be worth chatting to your vet. They can help rule out health issues, provide behavioural support options, and even discuss medications where appropriate. In New Zealand, treatment plans should always align with local guidelines for pet wellness and ethical care.
Be Your Dog’s Calm In The Storm
Storm season doesn’t have to equal stress for your tail-wagging companion. From creating safe spaces and using calming products to reinforcing soothing routines, there are many ways to help your pup weather the storm.
Whether you're stocking up on storm-soothing supplies or looking for a Pet Perks discount to help stretch the budget, Petdirect is here for every shake, shiver and sunny day in between. Because we get pet. And we’ve got your dog’s back — rain or shine.
Shop calming essentials now and help your dog stay happy, healthy and at ease, no matter the weather.