Some dogs demonstrate radical behavior in response to storm or noise phobias. Some researchers believe it is more than just the volume of the thunder that triggers their fear. Studies have shown that dogs may hear distant thunder claps of approaching storms long before we do. It is even argued that they can smell the moisture of coming rain, sense static electricity generated by electrical storms, and even feel changes in barometric pressure.

The American Kennel Club offers tips to help your dog through the sensory bombardment of a thunderstorm:

• Positive association. Try doing pleasant things with your dog during the storm. In this way, the dog learns to associate storms with treats and time with his owner, thus substituting pleasant associations for scary ones.

• Pressure. It has been suggested that noise-phobic dogs can benefit from wearing a tight T-shirt, or from his owner swaddling the torso. The theory is that the pressure elicits a calming effect in our pets. Products that reduce static electricity have also been credited with lowering a dog’s anxiety during storms.

• Medication. Drugs have long been prescribed in response to storm and noise phobias. Talk to your veterinarian about medications that have been successful in treating anxiety. Keep in mind, however, that storms can come out of nowhere, and medication may not always have the required time to be effective.

• Give them space. For some people, the only way to combat storm problems is to confine their dog to a room with no windows and to turn on the TV. The sound from the TV masks the booming outside.