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Great Dane Thunderstorm Anxiety — Why They Panic & How to Help

Great Danes are among the more storm-anxious breeds. They can sense pressure drops hours before a storm arrives, and thunder triggers intense stress responses.

Why Great Danes Are More Vulnerable

Dogs detect storms through barometric pressure drops, static electricity buildup, and low-frequency rumbles inaudible to humans. Despite their size, many Great Danes are terrified of storms. A 150lb dog trying to climb in your lap during thunder is no joke. Their height means they feel static electricity more intensely. Give them a safe, low space — some will try to fit under coffee tables.

What to Do

  • 1.Create a safe den space before storm season (covered crate with blankets)
  • 2.Use white noise or TV to mask thunder
  • 3.Consider a thunder shirt — compression reduces anxiety in 80% of dogs
  • 4.Avoid leaving them alone during forecasted storms
  • 5.Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety options for severe cases

Risks to Watch For

  • Panic behavior — destructive chewing, escape attempts
  • Self-injury from trying to escape or hide
  • Noise phobia can worsen with each storm if not managed
  • Static shocks from thick coats (rub with dryer sheet)

Great Dane-Specific Note

Despite their size, many Great Danes are terrified of storms. A 150lb dog trying to climb in your lap during thunder is no joke.

Thunderstorm Anxiety: Breed Comparison

Pug
high
Boxer
high
Chihuahua
high
German Shepherd
high
Great Dane*
high
Border Collie
high
Australian Shepherd
high
Shetland Sheepdog
high
Maltese
high
Yorkshire Terrier
high
Doberman Pinscher
high
Weimaraner
high
Basset Hound
high
Beagle
high
French Bulldog
moderate
Boston Terrier
moderate
Pomeranian
moderate
Dachshund
moderate
Golden Retriever
moderate
Husky
moderate
Corgi
moderate
Shiba Inu
moderate
Collie
moderate
Labradoodle
moderate
Goldendoodle
moderate
Shih Tzu
moderate
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
moderate
Havanese
moderate
Miniature Schnauzer
moderate
Cavapoo
moderate
Cockapoo
moderate
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
moderate
Poodle (Standard)
moderate
German Shorthaired Pointer
moderate
Cocker Spaniel
moderate
Mixed / Unknown
moderate
Bulldog
low
Labrador Retriever
low
Bernese Mountain Dog
low
Rottweiler
low
Akita
low
Belgian Malinois
low
Newfoundland
low
Cane Corso
low
Mastiff
low
Rhodesian Ridgeback
low
Australian Cattle Dog
low

* Your breed

Other Breeds: Thunderstorm Anxiety

French Bulldog

Moderate Anxiety

French Bulldogs have moderate thunderstorm anxiety.

Chihuahua

Storm-Anxious

Chihuahuas are among the more storm-anxious breeds.

Doberman Pinscher

Storm-Anxious

Doberman Pinschers are among the more storm-anxious breeds.

Pug

Storm-Anxious

Pugs are among the more storm-anxious breeds.

Great Dane: Other Environmental Guides

💨

Air Quality

☀️

UV Exposure

🌿

Pollen

🤧

Seasonal Allergies

🐕

Shedding Season

👂

Ear Infections

✂️

Skin & Coat Care

🪲

Flea & Tick Risk

🦟

Mosquito & Heartworm

❄️

Cold Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Great Danes afraid of thunderstorms?▾
Great Danes have high thunderstorm anxiety. Great Danes are among the more storm-anxious breeds. They can sense pressure drops hours before a storm arrives, and thunder triggers intense stress responses. Despite their size, many Great Danes are terrified of storms.
How do I calm my Great Dane during a storm?▾
Create a safe den space (covered crate or interior room with blankets). Play white noise or TV to mask thunder. A thunder shirt reduces anxiety in about 80% of dogs — the compression has a calming effect. Don't coddle excessively, which can reinforce the fear. Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication for severe cases.
Why do dogs sense storms before humans?▾
Dogs detect barometric pressure drops, low-frequency thunder inaudible to humans, static electricity changes, and shifts in ozone and petrichor scent. They can sense a storm 30-60 minutes before it arrives. Great Danes are particularly sensitive to these changes.

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