Thunderstorm phobia in dogs is a disorder that is characterized by persistent and exaggerated fear of storm or its stimuli.
In this disorder, even before the first clap of thunder, otherwise well-behaved dogs begin to pace, pant, cling to their owners, hide in the closet, or jam themselves behind the toilet. In severe cases, they'll claw through drywall, chew carpets, or break through windows in their escalating panic.
Stimuli that elicit fear include rain, lightning thunder, strong winds, and possibly changes in barometric pressure and static electricity. This fear may then induce one of more of the following signs:
Pacing
Panting
Trembling
Hiding/remaining near the owner
Excessive salivation (ptyalism)
Destructiveness
Excessive vocalization
Self-inflicted trauma
Fecal incontinence
It may also affect some body systems in a variety of ways, including:
Cardiovascular—tachycardia
Endocrine/ metabolic—increased cortisol levels, stress-induced hyperglycemia
Gastrointestinal—inappetence, gastrointestinal upset
Musculoskeletal—self-induced trauma resulting from escape attempts
Nervous—adrenergic/nor-adrenergic overstimulation
Respiratory—tachypnea
Skin—acral lick dermatitis
