Many dogs are afraid of thunder or have a thunder “phobia,” which can cause significant challenges for the animals and their guardians. Signs that a dog is experiencing such fear include excessive barking, hiding, and self-injury. This can lead to health issues like obesity and heart disease. The challenge of managing a dog with thunderstorm phobia can strain the human-dog bond, sometimes leading guardians to surrender or euthanize their animal.

To effectively prevent and manage this condition, it’s crucial for dog guardians and animal care professionals to understand what causes dogs to become afraid of thunder. Previous studies have identified breed, age, and sensitivity to noise as potential risk factors. Past experiences, particularly exposure to thunder during the puppy socialization period (3-12 weeks of age), also increase the risk. This study explores several factors associated with the development of a fear of thunder in dogs, with a focus on dogs in Japan.

Researchers collected data about 1,326 dogs using an online questionnaire distributed through a pet supply store’s newsletter. Guardians were asked to provide basic data about their dogs, such as their breed, age, medical history, and living conditions. The questionnaire then asked about dogs’ experiences during thunderstorms, including their reactions, fear progression, triggers, and guardians’ management strategies. Guardians were also asked about their own reactions to thunderstorms and loud noises.

The authors found that living environments influenced fear development, with dogs in houses showing greater fear of thunder than those in apartments. They argue that homes, which are built differently with potentially less noise insulation than apartments, can affect dogs’ noise perception and fear responses. The authors also discovered a strong connection between guardians’ fear of thunder and their dogs’ fear, suggesting that dogs might mirror their human companions’ fear responses. 

Age and breed also played a role in fear development. Dogs in this study tended to become more fearful as they got older, but less fearful once they became elderly, which many guardians attributed to hearing loss. Toy Poodles and Miniature Dachshunds were less fearful compared to other breeds in the study, which the authors believe may be related to genetics. Finally, dogs with multiple risk factors were more likely to fear thunder than dogs with fewer risk factors. 

The study relied on dog guardians’ self-reported data and subjective interpretations of their dogs’ behavior, which could be inaccurate. Furthermore, the sample came from Japan, so the findings may not apply to other geographical or cultural contexts (for example, regions with more or fewer thunderstorms).

It’s clear from this research that there are several factors that can lead to a fear of thunder in dogs. Because of this, addressing the problem requires guardians and care professionals to take a holistic approach based on a given dog’s demographics and living situation. Finally, animal advocates can use this research to promote responsible dog guardianship, emphasizing the importance of minimizing risk factors (e.g., encouraging guardians to control their own reactions to thunder and understanding how their home or apartment may impact their dog).