Can dogs sense an incoming storm? (And what to pay attention to)

Considering hurricane season doesn't end until November 30 and the last few months have definitely been rough in terms of storms, it makes sense that pet owners would want to get some expert advice about not only how to take care of their pets, but also how their pets react to storms. And we here at Dog O'Day were curious to ask the experts about our dog's senses and how they react to storms.

Specifically, we asked the question of whether or not dogs can sense incoming storms. And we also wanted to know what some of the signs are of our dogs detecting a storm.

Luckily for us, the Chief Veterinarian at Scenthound, Dr. Jim MacLean, shared some of his own insights into our questions. And what he had to say made perfect sense.

Can dogs detect storms?

Starting with the question of whether or not dogs can sense storms coming in, this is what Dr. MacLean had to say.

"Dogs have incredibly keen senses and can often detect the early signs of an approaching storm, including hurricanes. They are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which can occur well before a storm arrives (this is a big part of hurricanes), and they also have a strong sense of smell that allows them to detect shifts in the air, such as rain. Dogs have such great hearing that they can hear wind and thunder far before we can."

- Dr. Jim MacLean

In terms of how we can tell if our dogs are sensing an incoming storm, Dr. MacLean broke it down for us.

"As a result, your dog may become restless or anxious, showing behaviors like barking, whining, jumping, etc. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your dog's well-being during these events, so it's essential to have a plan in place to keep them calm and safe during storms."

- Dr. Jim MacLean

All things considered, it is definitely good to know what to pay attention to when storms are heading our way. And of course, knowing if a storm is coming can better inform us on how to keep our pets feeling calm and safe.

Did you know that dogs could sense storms coming? Have you ever noticed your dog acting weird ahead of a storm?