Stormy weather can be a terrifying experience for many pets. The loud noises, bright flashes, and changes in atmospheric pressure can trigger anxiety, leaving you cat or dog feeling stressed and scared, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

As a pet owner, it’s nice to know how to support your pet during these times. Here are some strategies to help your pet cope with stormy weather.

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why some pets react so strongly to storms. Many animals have sensitive hearing, making thunder and heavy rain much louder to them than to humans. The flashing lightning can also be startling, and some pets might be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure or static electricity in the air.

For some pets, storm anxiety can be exacerbated by past experiences or a naturally anxious temperament. Recognising the signs of fear in your pet, such as panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, or excessive barking or meowing, is the first step in providing them with the comfort they need.

One of the most effective ways to help a pet during a storm is to create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat. This could be a cozy corner of the house, a closet, or even a crate if your pet feels secure in one. Fill the space with familiar items like their bed, favourite toys, and blankets to create a comforting environment.

You can also add some background noise to help drown out the sounds of the storm. Playing calming music or white noise can be particularly helpful. This gentle noise can mask the thunder and rain, making the storm seem less threatening.

Pets are incredibly intuitive and often pick up on their owner’s emotions. If you remain calm and relaxed during the storm, your pet is more likely to feel at ease. Speak to your pet in a soothing voice, offer gentle petting, or simply sit with them to provide reassurance.

For pets with severe storm anxiety, you might want to explore additional tools and treatments. Thundershirts or similar anxiety wraps can provide comfort by applying gentle pressure, like swaddling a baby. This can have a calming effect on many pets.

There are also natural remedies like pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or supplements that can help reduce anxiety. Products containing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or valerian root can be effective. Te Are Manu occasionally has supplements suitable for animals, but these supplements are readily available in New Zealand and Australia if you travel frequently.

In some cases, storm anxiety may be severe enough to require veterinary intervention. If your pet’s anxiety is extreme, a veterinarian can assess their condition and may prescribe medication to help manage their fear during storms.

For long-term solutions, consider desensitisation training. This involves gradually exposing your pet to the sounds of a storm in a controlled environment, starting at a low volume and slowly increasing it as your pet becomes accustomed. Over time, this can help reduce their fear response.

Helping a pet through their fear of storms takes patience, understanding, and a little preparation. By creating a safe space, staying calm, and exploring anxiety-reducing tools, you can make stormy weather a less stressful experience for your pet.

Remember, your presence and reassurance are often the most comforting things you can provide.