When thunder roars, some dogs hide under the bed while others seem completely unfazed. For certain breeds, thunderstorms aren’t just a weather event – they’re a full-blown anxiety attack waiting to happen.
These sensitive pups can detect changes in barometric pressure, hear the low rumbles of distant thunder, and even sense the static electricity building in the air long before we humans notice anything.
Let’s look at which breeds tend to have the hardest time when storm clouds gather.
1. Border Collies Become Weather Forecasters
Smart and highly sensitive, Border Collies often detect storms before the first rumble of thunder. Their intelligence, which makes them excellent herders, also means they’re acutely aware of environmental changes – sometimes to their detriment.
Many Border Collie owners report their dogs pacing, whining, or hiding in bathrooms up to an hour before storm clouds appear. Their heightened sensitivity to barometric pressure changes and static electricity in the air turns them into living weather stations.
Providing a safe space with familiar scents and sounds can help these brainy pups weather the storm. Some Border Collies benefit from pressure wraps or anxiety vests that simulate a calming hug during frightening weather events.
2. Greyhounds Shake Like Leaves
Despite their racing background and athletic build, Greyhounds transform into quivering bundles of nerves when thunder strikes. Their thin coats and minimal body fat make them especially sensitive to environmental changes, including the shifting air pressure that precedes storms.
Many Greyhound parents discover their speedy companions attempting to squeeze into impossibly small hiding spots at the first hint of thunder. These sensitive souls often tremble uncontrollably, and some even refuse to go outside to relieve themselves if rain is falling.
Background noise machines playing white noise or classical music can help drown out the scary sounds. Creating a comfortable den-like space with blankets and familiar toys provides essential security for these sensitive speedsters.
3. Shelties Take Storm Anxiety To Heart
Shetland Sheepdogs, with their gorgeous coats and expressive eyes, often react to thunderstorms with dramatic intensity. These herding dogs were bred to be highly alert to their surroundings, which unfortunately translates to heightened storm awareness.
A Sheltie might start displaying anxiety behaviors hours before humans notice any weather changes. Their storm-sensing abilities would be impressive if they weren’t so distressing for the dogs themselves. Many Sheltie owners report their pups drooling excessively, panting heavily, or even refusing food during storms.
Creating a storm sanctuary in a windowless room with familiar bedding and toys can provide comfort. Some Shelties respond well to specially designed “thunder shirts” that apply gentle, constant pressure to help calm their nerves.
4. Beagles Howl Their Storm Protests
Famous for their melodious baying during hunts, Beagles often use their impressive vocal abilities to express thunderstorm distress. Unlike breeds that hide silently, these hound dogs might serenade your entire neighborhood with their storm-induced anxiety.
The Beagle’s sensitive ears, which help them track scents while hunting, make thunderclaps particularly uncomfortable. Their howling during storms isn’t just annoying – it’s a genuine expression of fear and discomfort that deserves compassion rather than frustration.
Sound therapy can help desensitize these vocal pups to storm noises. Playing recordings of thunderstorms at gradually increasing volumes during positive experiences like mealtime can help Beagles associate the sounds with good things instead of fear.
5. Vizslas Velcro Even Tighter During Storms
Already known as “velcro dogs” for their intense attachment to their humans, Vizslas take clingy behavior to new heights during thunderstorms. These Hungarian pointers weren’t bred for rainy English weather – they prefer sunny hunting days without the scary sky noises.
A storm-stressed Vizsla might attempt to become your second skin, pressing against you with surprising strength or even trying to climb into your lap despite their medium-large size. Their trembling can be so intense that it shakes furniture, and their desperate attempts to get closer can seem almost comical if they weren’t so clearly distressed.
Providing extra physical contact during storms helps these sensitive redheads feel secure. Many Vizsla owners find success with compression garments specifically designed for anxious dogs.
6. Bichon Frises Turn Into Fluffy Stress Balls
Those adorable cotton-ball Bichons transform from confident little companions to trembling puffballs when thunder rumbles. Their small size makes the booming sounds of storms especially intimidating – imagine how loud thunder must seem to ears so much closer to the ground!
Many Bichon owners report their dogs seeking out small, enclosed spaces during storms. Bathroom cabinets, under beds, and even laundry baskets become emergency shelters for these frightened fluffballs. Some Bichons develop storm-prediction abilities, becoming anxious hours before the first raindrops fall.
Creating a comfortable “storm bunker” with their favorite blanket and toys in a closet or bathroom can provide security. Some Bichons respond well to calming pheromone products specifically formulated for canine anxiety.
7. Dachshunds Dig For Storm Safety
True to their badger-hunting heritage, Dachshunds often respond to storms by trying to dig their way to safety. These determined little diggers might scratch at carpets, bedding, or your sofa cushions in an instinctive attempt to create an underground hideaway from the scary sky noises.
Their burrowing instinct kicks into overdrive during thunderstorms, and many Dachshund parents find their pups frantically tunneling under blankets or pillows. Some even try to squeeze themselves into impossibly small spaces, like between couch cushions or inside partially open drawers.
Providing pre-approved burrowing spots with blankets and small cave-like beds can satisfy this instinct safely. Many Dachshunds find comfort in specially designed “burrow beds” with built-in blankets they can tunnel under during frightening weather.
8. Australian Shepherds Herd Family Members To Safety
When thunder crashes, an Australian Shepherd’s herding instincts kick into emergency mode. These working dogs often try to gather family members – including other pets – into one room where they can be “protected” from the storm threat.
An anxious Aussie might circle family members, gently nip at heels, or bark persistently in an effort to move everyone to what they perceive as a safer location. This behavior stems from their deep-rooted protective instincts rather than simple fear. Many Aussie owners report their dogs checking on each family member repeatedly during storms.
Providing structured activities during storms can redirect this nervous energy. Puzzle toys filled with high-value treats or simple training exercises can give these intelligent dogs something productive to focus on instead of their storm anxiety.
9. Chihuahuas Shiver Beyond Their Normal Trembles
Famous for their tiny bodies and big personalities, Chihuahuas often experience thunderstorm anxiety that seems gigantic compared to their diminutive size. These small dogs already have a reputation for trembling, but storm-induced shaking takes this characteristic to a whole new level.
A frightened Chihuahua might shiver so intensely that they seem to vibrate across surfaces. Many Chi parents report their tiny companions seeking warmth during storms, burrowing under blankets or pressing against warm bodies for comfort. Some even refuse to go outside for potty breaks if they sense rain coming.
Providing warm, secure hideaways can help these little ones feel protected. Many Chihuahua owners find success with small, covered beds placed in quiet areas of the home where storm sounds are muffled.
10. Pointers Freeze In Panic When Lightning Strikes
Built for hunting and physically robust, Pointers seem like they’d be unfazed by a little weather – until the first flash of lightning. These athletic dogs often display a unique anxiety response: freezing completely in place when frightened by storms.
A storm-stressed Pointer might stand perfectly still in the middle of a room, trembling but unable to move, sometimes for minutes at a time. This behavior resembles their hunting “point” stance but stems from fear rather than prey detection. Many Pointer owners report their dogs becoming almost statue-like during particularly intense thunderstorms.
Gentle encouragement and physical contact can help break this frozen state. Creating a consistent storm routine with familiar activities and safe spaces helps these sensitive sporting dogs develop better coping mechanisms over time.
11. Basset Hounds Howl The Storm Blues
Those lovable, droopy-eared Basset Hounds often express their thunderstorm distress through mournful howling that would make any blues musician proud. Their incredibly sensitive ears, which help them track scents while hunting, make them particularly vulnerable to the loud booms of thunder.
A storm-stressed Basset might throw their head back and release long, soulful howls that seem to express the deep existential crisis they feel about the weather situation. This vocal response often starts before humans even hear thunder, as their superior hearing detects distant rumbles we can’t perceive.
Creating a sound-dampened space can provide relief for these sensitive-eared pups. Some Basset parents find that playing soft classical music helps mask the frightening storm sounds and soothes their howling hounds.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Seek Royal Protection
Despite their regal name and composed appearance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often abandon all dignity when thunderstorms approach. These gentle companions may have been bred to sit on royal laps, but they’re not above hiding under peasant furniture when thunder booms.
A frightened Cavalier might seek the highest point in your home – often your pillow – or burrow under blankets at the first hint of a storm. Their expressive eyes grow even more soulful when filled with storm anxiety, making it nearly impossible to resist comforting them. Many Cavalier owners report their dogs trembling so intensely that their silky ears flutter.
Maintaining a calm demeanor helps these sensitive souls weather the storm. Cavaliers are extremely attuned to their humans’ emotions, so displaying confidence rather than concern can help reduce their anxiety.
13. Boxers Bounce Off Walls During Electrical Storms
Normally playful and energetic, Boxers often channel their thunderstorm anxiety into frantic movement that makes their usual bouncy behavior look calm by comparison. These muscular dogs might race through the house at top speed, careening off furniture in panic.
A storm-stressed Boxer might pant heavily, with their already prominent eyes bulging even more dramatically. Their powerful bodies quiver with nervous energy that has nowhere productive to go. Many Boxer parents report their dogs making desperate attempts to escape – not just the room, but seemingly trying to outrun the storm itself.
Physical exercise before predicted storms can help burn off excess energy. Creating a storm routine that includes calming activities like gentle massage or quiet toy play can help redirect their anxiety into more productive channels.