Storm Season – 5 Top Tips to Help Your Pet Feel Safe
It's Typhoon season! We all know big storms can be a bit daunting with all that thunder, lightning and wind. However, they can be even more scary for our pets due to their enhanced senses.
It is normal for your pet to be a little bit anxious during a storm, but with our top 5 tips you can help make your pet feel safer during the next big thunderstorm.
1. Create a Safe Place
Pick a quiet place in the house to designate as a ‘safe place’. The safe space should have comfortable bedding and ideally be an enclosed area. Try using a crate with a blanket over the top, a cardboard box or even a pet bed behind the sofa.
Encourage your pet to use this safe space before storm season using high value treats.
Using pheromones to enhance the feelings of safety can be useful – ask your veterinary team about Adaptil for dogs and Feliway Classic for cats.
2. Reduce Noise Stimulation
Closing curtains helps to muffle the sounds of thunder and reduce visual stimulation from lightning.
Blankets over the ‘safe space’ will also help to reduce the volume of thunder.
Playing some background noise such as music, podcasts or television can help to reduce the impact of loud irregular claps of thunder.
3. Occupy the mind
Giving your pet other activities to do at home can help them focus on something other than the storm. Some ideas include
- Snuffle mats
- Dental chews
- Puzzle feeders
- LickiMats
- Busy Boxes
4. Give Reassurance
Storms can be scary even for us! So don’t ignore your pet if they come to you seeking reassurance.
We want to show our pets that there is nothing to be scared of during a storm – stay confident and give them a couple of scratches/pets. Avoid full body cuddles or having your pet sit on your lap. This can signal to them that you are also worried about the storm.
5. Plan Ahead
If you know a storm is approaching, make plans beforehand to avoid unnecessary journeys outside.
Plan to take your dog for their toileting walk BEFORE the storm hits. Make sure someone will be at home with your pet during the storm.
You can also use dietary supplements specifically aimed to help reduce anxiety – speak to your veterinary team for more information.
With these tips you can be better prepared to help your pet feel safe during the next typhoon!
NOTE: If your pet still displays extreme anxious behaviours during a storm/typhoon they may have a storm phobia. Pets with storm phobias will benefit from a behaviour consultation with our team as we can discuss anti-anxiety medications and behaviour modification plans to help them cope with their fears.
Written by Dr. Eilidh Grassick BVM&S BSc MRCVS
Date: 14/08/2025
