Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety for Pets

Even before you hear the first rumble, you can tell just by looking at your dog that a thunderstorm is brewing. 

Many dogs become very frightened with even a small storm. An upset cat that’s scared of storms may cause damage to your home or even run outside, where they can become lost or get injured. Lightning strikes are possible, though rare, but are usually fatal if a pet is struck.  

And what about the times when you’re walking your dog and get caught in a sudden thunderstorm? 

Here’s what you need to know about how to keep a pet safe during a storm. 

How to Prepare for Thunderstorms with Pets

Thunderstorms are more active during the spring and summer season across much of the United States, so no matter what the weather forecast says, it’s a good idea to stay prepared for big storms.   

When keeping a pet safe during a storm, keep the following tips in mind. 

Get Your Pets Microchipped 

All pets should wear some form of identification, just to be safe. A microchip for a dog or a cat is a safe, metal-free way to protect your pet. It’s a chip that’s about the size of a grain of rice that your veterinarian injects into your pet. This microchip allows your pet to be easily identified in the event they become lost. 

Any vet’s office or shelter has a small machine to scan microchips. When your pet is found and scanned, the microchip provides information you’ve saved in your microchip account, such as health concerns, necessary medications, and your contact information. 

Unfortunately, many dogs and cats run away during storms. Shelters often report a spike in missing pet reports in the days after a severe storm.  

A microchip is an easy way to help ensure if this does happen, you can be reunited with your pet. 

Bring Pets Inside Early 

Your pets will be safer inside, even if they don’t like being cooped up. Dogs should never be left outside unattended, but if you happen to let your pup out more often during the summer, make sure to bring them in before a storm rolls through. 

If your dog becomes anxious because of the storm, they may roam around or try to escape looking for safer territory and become lost.  

Remove Metal Collars, Leashes, or Harnesses 

Metal can transmit electricity, which could worsen the effect of a lightning strike. This is why you should remove any collars and harnesses from your pet that contain metal. 

Also, if your pet becomes nervous during the storm and tries to hide behind furniture or squeeze into a tight corner, the metal on these wearables can injure your pet, damage your furnishings, or trap and restrain your pet. 

Create a Safe Haven 

Creating a safe space for your pet is a great strategy to comfort them during a storm.  

Many dogs with anxiety like a dog crate covered with a blanket and fitted with a comfy dog crate pad. This helps to resemble a safe, cozy den.  Give your dog something they enjoy, like a KONG treat toy or another chew toy. 

For calming a cat, make sure they have access to a cat tree or other spots where they can hide like a covered cat bed. 

If possible, avoid getting stressed out yourself—your pets can feel that you’re stressed and interpret this to mean that danger is nearby.  

If you are relaxed, your pet is also likely to stay calm. After all, if you have made the situation as safe as possible, what is there to stress over? 

Consider Utilizing Calming Aids

There are many products that can be used to help calm and relax your pet during a storm. It may take some experimentation to figure out which ones work for your pet.  

Some work great for some animals and not at all for others. Ask your vet for their recommendation to help identify what’s best for your pet. 

Cats may respond to pheromone diffusers and sprays such as Feliway, and many dogs respond to anxiety vests such as the ThunderShirt.  

Try a number of products until you find a product or combination of products that works for your pet. Your vet can also provide guidance on what products may work for your specific pet. 

How to Keep Pets Safe During a Storm

Thunderstorms are an inevitable feature of summer, but there are steps you can take before or even during a storm to keep your pet safe. 

If Caught in Storm With Dog

If you are caught outside with your dog during a storm, try to find a solid, enclosed structure like a house, vehicle, or shed where you can wait out the storm.  

If you are unable to get inside, stay away from trees or tall structures and avoid climbing to high areas to reduce lightning risk. 

If you find yourself in a field, crouch as low as possible until the storm passes. Do not lie flat on the ground. Avoid anything that might conduct electricity, such as metal fence posts or the undercarriage of a vehicle.  

Seeking Shelter Inside Home 

If you are inside when the storm starts look for an interior room without exterior windows and doors. Not only could these be blown in by strong winds, but many also contain metal. 

Do not run water and don’t allow your pet to hide in the bathtub, as plumbing can also conduct electricity. Concrete floors may also allow a lightning strike to transmit, so keep your pet off any concrete floors. An interior bedroom is likely the safest location to weather the storm. 

When It’s OK To Go Back Outside 

It’s usually safe to go back outside again once you have heard no thunder and seen no lightning for at least 30 minutes. Keep in mind that if you can hear thunder—even distantly—you could still be in danger.   

Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from storm clouds. When in doubt, wait it out. 

Thunderstorms can be scary for both people and pets. However, it’s important to remember that the chance of getting struck by lightning is extremely small, and there are many steps you can take to minimize the risks. 

Bringing your pets indoors and keeping everyone as calm as possible goes a long way toward weathering the storm.  

Plan ahead, speak to your veterinarian, and have any supplies you might need on hand. Then sit back and watch nature’s beauty at work, knowing you have taken all the appropriate steps to keep your family safe.