It is helpful too to help your pet find an area he can see as a "safe place." A kennel, a closet, anywhere that he KNOWS he can go and be safe. Perhaps a toy or a blanket or activity that is soothing to him too. It's difficult not to try to comfort him when he is upset, but it is equally important to make sure that he is keeping himself (and your belongings) safe as well. Some dogs get such anxiety they will try to dig or chew their way to safety and it doesn't matter where they are or if they scrape their nails and paws raw. If they have a safe haven, and you provide as comfortable of an environment as possible, that will help his anxiety some. It would definitely be helpful to talk to your vet about it too. You may not always be present for the thunderstorms and if they learn to expect you to to be there, and you aren't, that could make the situation worse. They need a "safe spot" that they can go and self-soothe.
Good luck! These fears in pets can be a challenge.
Originally Posted by JulieR
Okay, this is going to sound very unpopular but just hear me out. LOL
DO NOT comfort a dog that is afraid. Don't coddle him, pet him or otherwise try to "love" him better.
Why not? For the same reason that you DO pet him when he does something good: you are telling him that whatever he just did is the right thing to do! So when you pet him while he's panicking in a storm you're telling him he was right - he SHOULD be afraid!
Instead, you need to be calm and confident. Lead by example - project the idea that there is nothing to fear, and that you are in control of the situation. You aren't going to let anything bad happen to him, but you can't tell him that with words or petting - instead, let your body language and energy tell him that.
As tough as it is, you have to ignore the behavior you don't want. In this case, I would put him in a sit or down position next to you, silently project your calm confidence and read a book or sew something. As long as he is sitting where you asked him to be, ignore him until he calms down - THEN you can praise him, thereby reinforcing the relaxed behavior.
No drugs, no feeling sorry for him. Instead help him face his fears and get over them. It isn't easy and it won't be instant, but I promise it's well worth the effort!