Can Your Dog Sense a Storm Is Coming?

Have you ever noticed your dog acting strange, only for a storm to break hours later? Some dogs have a seeming superpower to sense storms, but this may cause them stress.

We break down the biology behind your dog's storm-sensing abilities and discuss some ways you can support them if they get scared.

Key Takeaways

Some dogs (and humans) can sense storms long before they actually arrive.
Their bodies may sense subtle changes that precede a storm, like decreasing air pressure and buildup of static electricity.
These changes may stress your dog out, and many dogs are scared of thunderstorms.
You can support your dog by creating a safe space for them and staying calm yourself.
CBD Supplements can also help promote relaxation in dogs.

See More: What Age Do Dogs Calm Down? What You Need to Know

How Dogs Can Sense Storms

Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"Some dogs can sense storms far sooner than humans. If storms stress your dog out, consider giving them CBD supplements to promote relaxation."

Have you ever noticed your dog seems to be able to sense bad weather? Many dog owners have reported that their dogs somehow know when there's an approaching storm.

If you've noticed your pup's apparent precognition, we've got good news and bad news. On the one hand, your dog probably isn't psychic. You can decide if that's good or bad.

On the other hand, your furry friend may genuinely be able to sense impending weather changes well before you can. How? Science.

This seemingly magical ability isn't restricted to dogs. Have you ever heard someone predict an incoming storm based on something like an ache in their joints? Some humans and animals, dogs included, can sense the subtle changes that precede a storm's arrival far sooner than we might expect.

That's not an accident, either. In the wild, animals need to be able to sense storms as soon as possible. Otherwise, they might be caught unawares, which can be very dangerous.

Barometric Pressure

As a storm approaches, air pressure usually drops. When the storm passes, that pressure rises again.

This decrease in air pressure can cause changes to the body. In humans, the reduction in pressure may cause tissues to expand. Some people experience joint pain, headaches, or other symptoms that effectively let them predict the impending arrival of a storm.¹

Dogs can also sense changes in air pressure. They may also feel discomfort in their joints or in their ears. This might be unsettling for them, especially if they've never experienced it before.²

Bonus: Amino Acids for Dogs: Everything to Know

Static Electricity

dog's hair standing on end because of static thunderstorm anxiety favorite toy storms happen counter conditioning volume low gradually increase

Have you ever seen videos of people's hair standing up during thunderstorms? Up in the clouds, ice particles smash together, generating large amounts of static electricity.

When this charge builds up, it can lift strands of hair.³ You probably shouldn't try this at home. Eventually, this buildup of energy discharges as lightning.

Some dogs may sense the static charge in their fur. They may instinctively seek shelter in grounded areas, spaces that are safer from lightning, as a result.

Smell

You probably know that your dog has an amazing sense of smell. Depending on their breed, they might have 60 times as many scent receptors as you. That can allow them to literally smell an approaching storm.

If you've ever been out in a storm, you may have noticed they often have distinctive smells.⁴ One common storm smell is caused by rain hitting dry dirt. It's called petrichor.

Another common smell is caused by the buildup of electrical charge that we just discussed. When that buildup discharges, it generates ozone.

Because your dog's sense of smell is so much sharper, they may be able to detect these scents far sooner than you.

Hearing Thunder

Dogs also have sensitive ears. They can detect frequencies that we pet parents literally can't sense.

For example, your dog may be able to hear the distant rumbling of thunder long before you do. They may also be able to detect ultra-low frequency sounds caused by storms, which we'd never be able to hear.

A Storm's Coming

How soon your dog detects a storm's approach depends on a few factors, many of which can vary from storm to storm. For example, they'll probably be able to detect a stronger storm sooner than they would a weaker one.

Storm sensitivity also varies from breed to breed and individual to individual. Some dogs may seem hyper-aware, picking up signs several hours before you notice anything is happening. Others may snooze right through the loudest thunderstorm of your life.

Helping a Dog With Storm Stress

Storms can be scary. If that's true for many of us humans, it's certainly true for dogs.

Think about it. Your pup doesn't necessarily understand what's going on during a storm.

All they know is that something feels wrong. Maybe it's the static in their hair, or the pressure on their joints.

Then there's the crashing thunder, flashing lightning, drumming rain. These loud, sudden sounds can be extremely frightening for dogs.

All this makes fear of thunderstorms quite common among dogs. According to one 2024 study, over 43% of dogs showed signs they were afraid of thunder.⁵

Fortunately, there are a few ways we can help our furry friends cope with this storm-related stress.

CBD

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Research has shown that CBD can help promote relaxation in dogs.

CBD is "really important in keeping the body's own endocannabinoids around," explains Dr. Casara Andre, in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. "The molecules that I'm making right now, that your dog's making … that are essential for them balancing their lives — they can literally be used up.… We think about summer storms…. You can literally use up the molecules that you need to be able to de-escalate.… The CBD molecule is really powerful at preventing or slowing down the destruction of these endocannabinoids."

For example, one study gave dogs CBD chews before a stressful situation. 83% of the dogs demonstrated fewer stress-related behaviors after eating the CBD Chew.⁶

Another study from 2024 similarly gave dogs CBD before a stressful situation. Researchers found that CBD helped reduce signs of stress, including heart rate, during the stressful event.⁷

Earth Buddy has a range of calming chews that can promote relaxation and help dogs maintain a normal emotional balance. Our Pumpkin and Blueberry hemp hearts each contain 4mg of CBD, plus other healthy ingredients. If you need something a little stronger, try our Extra-Strength chews, which each contain 8mg of CBD.

We also offer some delectable (and grain-free) calming chews. Our Duck & Apple chews each contain 5mg of CBD. The Beef & Pumpkin chews each contain 10mg.

All of Earth Buddy's hemp products are made in the USA, in small batches, with clean, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. They're tested by independent, third-party labs for potency and safety.

Safe Space

Another way to help your dog cope with scary thunderstorms is by creating a safe space for them.

That could be a quiet room without windows, like a bathroom or closet. It could also be a crate, covered with a blanket to block out light and sound.

You can add bedding and blankets to help make the safe place comfortable. Toys can also help your dog feel more at ease. Puzzle treats or similar can help distract your pup.

To help mask the sound of the storm, consider playing soft music.

Make sure to give your dog the choice to enter and leave their safe place as they desire. Don't force them in or out, as that can actually increase their stress.

Stay Calm

If you're also scared of storms, you might be tempted to lean on your dog for support. But if they sense you're stressed, they may get more stressed in response.

Remember that 2024 study that found many dogs are scared of thunder? Researchers also found that dogs were "significantly more fearful of thunder when their owners were afraid of it."⁸

Research has found that dogs are very attuned to their owner's emotions. That's especially true during particularly exciting or stressful events — like a storm.⁹

"If the owner is stressed," one professor explains, "then the dog is also likely to mirror that stress."

It's therefore important that you try to manage your own stress during a storm. Of course, that's a good idea regardless of how your dog is feeling. But if you need extra motivation, know that your dog will likely notice and appreciate that you're taking care of yourself.

dog sleeping in crate unable begin doors pacing secure lost wonder protect

Conclusion

Some dogs can sense storms far sooner than we humans. That can stress them out, and the storm itself can be even scarier. Creating a safe space, staying calm yourself, and CBD supplements, from CBDA Oils to calming chews, can all help promote relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Before a Storm Can a Dog Sense It?

Some dogs may sense a storm approaching several hours before you even notice anything is changing. That timeframe can vary based on many factors, including the strength of the storm.

What Is the 10-Minute Rule for Dogs?

The 10-minute rule is a guide for training a dog, especially puppies. It calls for spending 10 minutes focusing on a single behavior.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule With Dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule is a guide for the timeline of adopting a new dog. Adopted dogs often take three days to decompress from the stress of adoption, three weeks to learn your routine, and three months to start feeling at home.

Keep Reading: What to Feed Your Dog for Liver Health

Sources

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Can Your Dog Sense a Storm Is Coming?

Key Takeaways