Tornadoes are dangerous weather systems that can cause significant damage to homes, cars, and wildlife. The safety of the people and pets in your family is paramount during these storms. In addition to proper preparation, knowing when a tornado is approaching is crucial. Dogs can often sense an approaching storm or tornado and exhibit certain behaviors that can alert you to take action and find a safe place.
Signs of a Dog Sensing a Tornado
Dogs exhibit similar signs when they sense a tornado as they do with any other approaching storm. Pay attention if your dog suddenly seeks shelter, hides under a bed, tries to find cover under a tree, or barks to come inside in a different manner than usual. Some dogs may also seek comfort and cuddle with their owners before the tornado hits. Pacing, restlessness, and sniffing the air can also be indicators that your dog is sensing bad weather.
Body Language
Watch for the following signs in your dog’s body language when sensing a tornado:
– Alertness
– Barking
– Whining
– Shaking
– Cowering
– Dropping ears
– Pacing
– Sniffing
Other Signs
Additional signs that your dog is sensing a tornado include:
– Hiding in a safe spot
– Seeking cuddles with you
– Sniffing the air
– Relentless barking
History of Dogs Sensing Tornadoes
Dogs have been around for thousands of years, and their ability to adapt and sense dangerous weather is not surprising. In the past, humans relied on animals’ odd behavior as a warning sign of impending bad weather. There are numerous stories of dogs alerting their families to tornados. For example, during a series of destructive tornados in Alabama in 2011, a man’s dog alerted him to an oncoming tornado by barking and jumping on him. They were able to take shelter just in time before the tornado hit and destroyed their town.
Science Behind Dogs Sensing a Tornado
Dogs can use all their senses to predict an approaching tornado. They can detect changes in barometric pressure, atmospheric heat, compression, and temperature changes that signal a storm is coming. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect the earthy scent after rain, which often accompanies a storm. Dogs’ ability to hear various frequencies and sounds helps them identify the common sounds of a storm or an approaching danger.
Training Dogs Scared of Tornados and Storms
Many dogs experience fear and anxiety during storms and tornados, which can lead to shaking, cowering, and hiding. Addressing these fears is important to prevent them from worsening. Ensure you and your family find a safe location during a tornado, and create a comforting space for your dog with their bed, toys, and blankets. Using a noise machine or playing calming music can help drown out the frightening sounds of the storm. Providing reassurance and comfort to your dog can also make them feel safer and more secure.
“Their senses never fail: how dogs can sense an approaching tornado”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s behavior: Dogs can sense an approaching tornado or storm before you can. Look out for sudden changes in behavior such as seeking shelter, hiding, barking differently, or pacing. These signs can alert you to an imminent storm and give you enough time to find a safe place.
2️⃣ Recognize the signs of a dog sensing a tornado: Dogs may exhibit signs such as alertness, barking, whining, shaking, cowering, dropped ears, pacing, and sniffing the air when they sense an approaching tornado. Being aware of these signs can help you identify when your dog is sensing danger.
3️⃣ Create a safe and comforting environment during storms: If your dog is scared of storms, it’s important to address their fear and anxiety. Make sure you and your family have a safe location to go to during a tornado. Provide your dog with a comfortable and familiar space, such as a basement with their bed, toys, and blankets. Using a noise machine or playing calming music can help drown out the frightening sounds of the storm. Additionally, offering comfort and reassurance to your dog can help them feel safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can dogs sense an approaching tornado?
– Dogs can sense an approaching tornado through changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and the earthy scent in the air after rain. They also use their hearing to detect the sounds of a storm.
2. What are some signs that a dog is sensing a tornado?
– Signs that a dog is sensing a tornado include seeking shelter suddenly, pacing, sniffing the air, barking or howling excessively, and displaying body language such as cowering, shaking, or dropping their ears.
3. Why do some dogs seek comfort from their owners before a tornado hits?
– Dogs that are scared of storms may seek comfort from their owners as a way to cope with the impending danger of a tornado.
4. How can dog owners help their scared dogs during a tornado?
– Dog owners can provide a safe and comforting place for their dogs to stay, such as a basement with their bed, toys, and blankets. Using a noise machine or playing music can help drown out the frightening sounds of the storm. Providing physical comfort and reassurance can also help calm scared dogs.
5. What is the historical background behind dogs sensing tornados?
– Dogs have been able to sense and predict bad weather, including tornados, for thousands of years. This ability may be a lingering instinct from their wolf ancestors, who would flee dangerous weather to protect themselves. Humans used to rely on animals acting oddly as a sign of approaching bad weather.
