ummer is a fun time when we can get out and do activities that include our family members, friends and pets. As advocates for pets and resources for pet owners, veterinary professionals want to be well-versed in the challenges that summer can bring. One of those challenges is storm anxiety.

Storm anxiety in animals, particularly dogs and cats, is a common and frequently debilitating condition. Storm anxiety is more complex than noise aversion alone.¹ Thunderstorms include a combination of loud noises, changes in barometric pressure and static electricity, all of which can trigger fear responses in sensitive pets. The following will explore the causes of storm anxiety, the physiological and behavioral effects on animals, and some of the treatment strategies.

First, we must be aware that storms can be scary in more ways than one. They are loud and sudden. Thunder, wind and rain can all make noise that pets find frightening. Barometric pressure is the weight of the air in the atmosphere, and low atmospheric pressure causes air to rise and allow clouds to form storms. Pets seem to be able to sense changes in barometric pressure more readily than humans. These changes can certainly become a trigger for sensitive pets.

Some pets can experience an unpleasant buildup of static charges in their fur, which may contribute to discomfort. Additionally, environmental cues like lightning flashes, changes in light levels and even human behaviors (like rushing to close windows or cover plants) can act as warning signals for anxious animals.

In affected animals, these stimuli activate the autonomic nervous system, triggering the classic “fight, flight, or freeze” response. This leads to physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, panting, drooling or pacing.

Veterinarians should be proactive in identifying signs of storm anxiety, as many pet owners may not recognize their pet’s behavior as problematic, especially in the early days. It is important to note that other diseases can produce similar signs, like neurologic disorders, pain and even some metabolic issues.²

Clinical signs include:

• Mild anxiety: Restlessness, panting, seeking comfort, trembling
• Moderate anxiety: Pacing, whining, hiding, destructive behavior
• Severe anxiety: Extreme escape behaviors (chewing through walls, breaking windows), excessive salivation, urination/defecation, self-injury

A thorough history is crucial and even more valuable before the behavior has escalated. Asking pet owners about their observations of their pets during storms (and in daily life) can help start the path to early recognition and intervention. These types of questions should be a part of every examination from the beginning with a pet and owner.

Creating a Safe Space
A designated “safe zone” can help animals feel secure during storms. This could be a small, windowless room with soundproofing elements such as blankets, white noise machines or calming music. Many pets can benefit from a crate or enclosed area where they feel protected. It is important that the safe space not be only utilized during scary times or it can start to feel less safe. The safe zone should be a happy place with special toys or high-value treats.

Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification can be effective in reducing storm anxiety over time. Although many articles have been published about counterconditioning, a recent review found that we need more comparable studies using standardized techniques to assess true effectiveness.³ It is valuable for veterinary professionals to establish a relationship with a trusted local trainer that is willing to include the veterinary team in the management of behavior modification in these patients.

Tactile and Pressure Therapy
Some pets respond well to the use of pressure wraps, such as the ThunderShirt®, which applies gentle, constant pressure to reduce anxiety. Additionally, some dogs find comfort in physical contact with their owner, but this should be done in a way that reinforces calm behavior rather than fear.

Pheromone Therapy
Thunderease® (for dogs) and Feliway® (for cats) are synthetic pheromones designed to mimic natural calming signals. These can be used in conjunction with other interventions to create a more soothing environment.

For pets with moderate to severe storm anxiety, medical intervention is often necessary. The choice of pharmacological therapy depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual pet’s needs. Be mindful that many of our options are extra label. Potential pharmaceutical options include:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam) can be effective for acute anxiety episodes but should be administered before the onset of the storm for maximum effect. A trial dose is advised to observe for paradoxical excitation, and because of their controlled status, they may be difficult to handle consistently.
• Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor that provides sedation and anxiolytic effects. Some patients see improvement on trazodone if given prior to the stressful incident.
• Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that helps with situational anxiety and panic responses.
• Gabapentin is used to reduce episodic anxiety; however, its action is not 100% understood. It has been shown to reduce storm anxiety when administered at least 90 minutes prior to the storm.⁴
• Sileo® is dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel that is FDA approved for the treatment of noise aversion in dogs.

For pets with persistent anxiety, daily medication may be necessary and may require combination with other medications, especially during storm season. These medications include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may useful for dogs with generalized anxiety that includes storm phobia.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs; e.g., Clomipramine, Amitriptyline) can be beneficial for pets with coexisting anxiety disorders.

Nutraceuticals and supplements may help as adjunctive treatments, but are unlikely to provide enough assistance to be used as a single agent to treat storm anxiety. These supplemental options include:

• L-theanine and casein-based products (e.g., Zylkene®) may provide mild calming effects and is unlikely to cause side effects.
• Melatonin can help regulate sleep and reduce anxiety in some dogs and is generally believed to be safe, but again, it is not likely to provide enough support to be used alone for these cases.
• CBD products are growing in popularity, though research is still emerging on efficacy and safety. The AVMA acknowledges that there is limited scientific evidence on risks and benefits of cannabinoids in animals, and veterinary professionals should remain up to date on current federal and state regulations.

Pet owners need clear, evidence-based guidance on how to manage storm anxiety. Some key points that should be shared with pet owners include:

1. Early intervention is best: Addressing mild anxiety before it escalates can prevent severe phobias.
2. Avoid punishment: Scolding a frightened pet worsens anxiety.
3. Pre-storm preparedness: Medications should be administered before a storm begins for best results.
4. Multimodal approach: Combining behavioral therapy, environmental changes and medication often yields the best outcomes.

In addition, providing handouts, online resources, and follow-up appointments can improve owner compliance and treatment success.

Storm anxiety can severely impact an animal’s wellbeing, but with proper diagnosis and a multimodal treatment plan, many pets can be helped. Veterinary professionals play a crucial role in guiding pet owners through behavioral training, environmental modifications and pharmacological options to create a calmer, more comfortable experience for their pets. By recognizing the signs early and taking proactive measures, we can improve the quality of life for both pets and their owners, strengthening the human-animal bond in the process.

1. Perdew I, Emke C, Johnson B, et. al. Evaluation of Pexion® (imepitoin) for treatment of storm anxiety in dogs: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Vet Rec. 2021 May;188(9):e18. doi: 10.1002/vetr.18. Epub 2021 Jan 21. PMID: 33960445.
2. Ballantyne, KC. Separation, Confinement, or Noises: What Is Scaring That Dog? Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. Volume 48, Issue 3,2018,Pages 367-386, ISSN 0195-5616, ISBN 9780323583824, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.12.005.
3. Shnookal J, Tepper D, Howell T, Bennett P. Counterconditioning-based interventions for companion dog behavioural modification: A systematic review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Volume 276, 2024, 106305, ISSN 0168-1591, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106305.
4. Bleuer-Elsner S, Medam T, Masson S. Effects of a single oral dose of gabapentin on storm phobia in dogs: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Vet Rec. 2021 Oct;189(7):e453. doi: 10.1002/vetr.453. Epub 2021 May 16. PMID: 33993491.