Calm Before the Storm — Helping Your Pet Feel Safe When Thunder Rolls
Storm season can be tough for many of our furry friends. As thunder rumbles and lightning flashes, even the most confident pets can suddenly become anxious or fearful. Every year around this time, I see so many dogs and cats come in shaking, panting, or hiding — and it breaks my heart, because storm anxiety is something we can absolutely manage with a little preparation. Calming medication for pets during storm might help you save their lives
The key is to plan before the storms start. Once your pet is panicking, it’s much harder to calm them down — but when we get ahead of their fear, we can make a huge difference to how they cope.
Why Storms Can Trigger Fear
Storms can be terrifying for pets. The loud cracks of thunder, flashing lights, changes in air pressure, and static build-up all combine to create a confusing, overwhelming experience.
Dogs and cats don’t understand where the noise is coming from or when it will stop — they only know something scary is happening.
You might notice signs such as trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, drooling, or vocalising. Some pets try to escape, while others cling tightly to their owners. These are all normal fear responses, not “bad behaviour.” It’s our job to help them feel safe and understood.
When Comfort Isn’t Enough — Vet-Approved Calming Options
For some pets, gentle reassurance and comfort aren’t quite enough to get through a storm. That’s where veterinary-prescribed calming medication can help. These short-acting, safe medications can reduce panic and help your pet stay calm until the storm passes.
Common options include Trazodone, Gabapentin, or Sileo (a gel used inside the mouth). These medications are designed specifically for pets — they’re not sedatives but rather mild relaxants that help reduce the intensity of their fear.
It’s important to do a trial dose before the first storm, so we know exactly how your pet responds. Every animal is different, and our goal is always to keep them comfortable without over-sedation.
And remember: never share medications between pets or use human anti-anxiety tablets — they can be dangerous for animals.
If your pet struggles each summer, now’s the perfect time to book a consult so we can find the safest, most effective option for them.
Gentle Support Between Storms — Natural Supplements and Pheromones
If your pet’s anxiety is mild or you’d like to add extra support between storms, there are several gentle, non-prescription options that can help.
Zylkene is one of my favourites — it’s a natural supplement derived from milk proteins that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It’s safe for both dogs and cats and works best when given daily throughout storm season, helping to lower your pet’s baseline anxiety levels.
Other calming aids like Adaptil (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats) release pheromones that mimic your pet’s natural “comfort” signals. These can be used as diffusers or sprays around your pet’s safe space to create a sense of familiarity and calm.
These products don’t replace behaviour support or medication in more severe cases, but they can make a wonderful difference for many pets — especially when used early and consistently.
Building Your Pet’s Safe Space
Every anxious pet needs a safe space — a quiet, secure area where they can retreat during storms. Here’s how to create one:
Choose a small, interior room away from windows — such as a laundry, bathroom, or walk-in closet.
Add soft bedding, familiar blankets, and a few toys.
Plug in an Adaptil or Feliway diffuser to provide comfort signals.
Use white noise or gentle music to help mask thunder sounds.
Keep the space accessible at all times, so your pet can choose to go there when they feel nervous.
Don’t force them to stay inside — the key is to make it a positive, calming environment they associate with safety and comfort.
Start introducing your pet to this area on calm days, using treats or quiet cuddle time so it becomes a familiar, happy place.
Preparing Early Makes All the Difference
Storms can roll in fast, so timing is everything.
Try to check the weather forecast daily during storm season. If thunderstorms are expected, start your pet’s calming routine early — ideally an hour or two before the first thunder.
For medication, this means giving it in advance so it has time to take effect. For natural options like Zylkene or pheromone diffusers, consistency is key — don’t wait until your pet is already stressed.
Have your pet’s carrier or favourite blanket ready, and make sure their safe space is set up before the weather turns.
The earlier you prepare, the calmer your pet will be — and the less stressful it will be for both of you.
FAQs
What’s the best calming medication for my dog or cat?
That depends on your pet’s species, size, and anxiety level. We’ll discuss options and tailor a plan during a consultation to make sure it’s safe and effective.
Can I give Zylkene with prescription calming medication?
Yes — Zylkene is often used alongside other calming options to enhance their effect. Always check with your vet first before combining products.
How soon should I give medication before a storm?
Most need to be given 1–2 hours before the storm starts, but this varies depending on the drug. We’ll guide you on exact timing for your pet’s plan.
Do thunder shirts or calming wraps help?
They can! Some pets find the gentle pressure reassuring. Try them alongside other strategies like safe spaces or supplements.
Are natural remedies enough on their own?
For mild anxiety, they can make a big difference. But for pets that panic or become destructive, prescription medication may still be needed — and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
Storm anxiety is incredibly common, but it doesn’t have to rule your pet’s life. With the right combination of preparation, medication or supplements, and a calm environment, most pets can get through storm season feeling safe and supported.
If your dog or cat struggles during thunderstorms, let’s make a plan together — before the next storm hits. Book a consult so we can find what works best for your pet.
