When Thunderstorms Hurt: Understanding the Link Between Pain and Phobia in Dogs

Nov 12

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Many dogs dislike thunderstorms, but for some, a manageable dislike can suddenly escalate into extreme fear or phobia. That was the case for three dogs I worked with, including my own dog, Oakley. Their previously stable, mild aversion to storms became a much larger behavioral concern later in life, prompting further investigation.As a Dynamic Dog Practitioner (and in Oakley’s case, as her owner), I was able to take a closer look at each dog’s situation. What was uncovered was unexpected. All three dogs were dealing with the same underlying medical condition, discospondylitis.

I’ll share these three unique case studies, explain what discospondylitis is and discuss how it can lead to behavioral changes like increased storm phobia. I’ll also highlight how a Dynamic Dog Assessment helped uncover this underlying condition and how treatment made a significant difference.

What is Discospondylitis?

Discospondylitis is an infection of the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebrae in the spine. It can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections that spread through the bloodstream, often stemming from another site of infection like the urinary tract or oral cavity. The condition causes inflammation, pain, and sensitivity along the spine, often resulting in stiffness, mobility issues, or behavioral changes.

Key symptoms of discospondylitis include:

Stiffness or reluctance to move
Pain when touched along the spine
Difficulty rising or walking
Frequent urination or potty training regression
Behavioral changes, such as irritability, clinginess, or increased anxiety

Because the infection affects the spine, nerve pain or sensitivity can also occur, exacerbating discomfort and leading to unexpected reactions, such as avoidance of certain activities or heightened fear responses.

Challenges in Diagnosis:
Diagnosing discospondylitis in dogs can be challenging. While X-rays may sometimes reveal abnormalities, they are not always reliable, especially in the early stages of the condition. Advanced imaging techniques such as MRIs or CT scans, often paired with clinical evaluations and bloodwork, are typically needed for a definitive diagnosis. It’s important to note that clear imaging results, even from CT scans, don’t necessarily rule out discospondylitis.

For example, in Oakley’s case, her infection was only visible when contrast dye was used during imaging. In D’s case, a general veterinarian initially cleared her imaging, but when a specialist reviewed those same images later, they successfully identified discospondylitis. These examples highlight how nuanced and complex the diagnostic process for this condition can be, reinforcing the importance of thorough investigation and, when necessary, seeking second opinions from specialists.

The Case Study Dogs

All three dogs—Oakley (my own dog), D, and C—experienced a sudden escalation in their fear of thunderstorms during adulthood. While they had all displayed a manageable dislike of storms earlier in life, this escalated to behaviors like hiding, shaking, and even refusing to eat or go outside during storms.

Case 1: Oakley

Oakley had always shown a mild dislike of storms, a trait shared with other dogs in her pedigree. She would occasionally seek me out during heavy storms, but remained calm and manageable. However, as she aged, this dislike turned into a full-blown phobia. Oakley began hiding, clinging to me, and reacting fearfully to secondary triggers like strong winds, rain, or darkening skies. Around the same time, I noticed other changes in her: her coat appeared duller, her gait was altered, and she struggled with training tasks she had previously mastered. She also had an increased fear of riding in the car, was I discussed in detail in another blog post.

After my concerns were initially dismissed by her vet, I sought a second opinion and hired a Dynamic Dog Practitioner to review her case. Further diagnostics revealed that Oakley had developed discospondylitis, a spinal infection, and spondylosis, which had formed as a compensatory response to her untreated condition. Her treatment plan included antibiotics, pain management, and reduced physical activity.

While Oakley’s storm phobia didn’t disappear immediately, improvements became evident within a few months of treatment. By six months, her “thunderstorm phobia” was barely noticeable. She was even willing to venture outside during rain.

Case 2: D

Shortly after Oakley’s treatment concluded, D’s owner contacted me for a behavior consultation. D had also developed an escalating fear of storms, paired with secondary triggers like rain. She would hide under the bed for days after a storm, eat very little, and show signs of severe distress during storms. On one occasion, while her family was out of town, D managed to jump a pet gate and hide upstairs, something entirely out of character for her.

During D’s Dynamic Dog Assessment, I observed signs of back discomfort: her back was slightly arched, her gait was uneven, and her hind legs did not retract fully while trotting. D also exhibited a strong preference for rolling her back against furniture, which her owner reported as a constant behavior. Although initial imaging revealed no abnormalities, D’s owner sought a second opinion. A vet specializing in orthopedics and neurology reviewed her imaging and confirmed she also had discospondylitis.

Once D’s condition was being treated, her storm-related behaviors began to improve. Because of my experience with Oakley, I introduced a tailored training plan alongside her medical treatment to attempt to speed up her behavioral improvement. Within three months, D was willing to venture into the yard during rain, her eating habits returned to normal, and her owner could leave the house without worrying about her storm-induced anxiety.

Case 3: C

A few months later, I was contacted by C’s owner, whose dog exhibited eerily similar symptoms. C’s storm phobia had escalated rapidly and she began avoiding activities she once loved, like playing with the other dogs in the household. Her fear extended to other loud noises, such as fireworks and even the smoke alarm. These situations could induce panting, pacing, and a clinginess to her owner.

During C’s Dynamic Dog Assessment, I noted reduced hind limb retraction, overreaching at a trot, as well as many behavioral signs of discomfort. Further testing revealed she had discospondylitis, as well as a nerve impingement caused by a bone spur.

C’s treatment is ongoing, but she has already shown significant improvements in her overall demeanor. Her owner reports that she is much calmer and more engaged in daily life. She is once again playing with the other dogs. Although we have not had a chance to assess her response to thunderstorms since her diagnosis, the early signs are promising.

Behavioral Connections: Thunderstorms and Pain

My hypothesis for the behavioral link between discospondylitis and storm fear is rooted in the association between thunderclaps and pain. Dogs with discospondylitis often experience heightened sensitivity along the spine. The loud claps of thunder may have caused these dogs to flinch or tense up, inadvertently triggering pain. Over time, this repeated pairing of thunder and pain likely created a strong negative association.

Imagine experiencing sharp pain every time you hear a loud, unexpected noise. It would be natural to begin dreading those noises over time. For these dogs, each storm reinforced the cycle of fear and pain, intensifying their reactions as their bodies braced for the anticipated discomfort. Secondary triggers, like the sound of rain, strong winds, or the darkening sky, may have also be conditioned, further intensifying their reactions to anything storm-related. This process, known as stimulus generalization, occurs when a conditioned response (fear of thunder) expands to similar stimuli.

Treatment for discospondylitis made a noticeable behavioral difference in all three dogs. Once discospondylitis is managed or resolved, the physical pain associated with thunderstorms can be reduced or eliminated. This makes it possible to recondition the dog’s responses to storm-related triggers. For example:

With pain managed, the dog may no longer flinch or brace during thunder, disrupting the fear-pain cycle.
Over time, exposure to previous triggers (like rain or wind) without accompanying pain can help the dog “unlearn” the negative associations through extinction, a process where the conditioned response diminishes because the trigger no longer predicts discomfort.

In two of the three case studies, dogs with treated discospondylitis showed marked improvement in storm-related behaviors, including a willingness to go outside during rain. This suggests that addressing the physical cause of pain not only improves the dog’s quality of life, but may also open the door to behavioral recovery.

Signs Your Dog Might Need a Vet Check

If your dog shows sudden or escalating fear of thunderstorms, consider these warning signs that they may need a veterinary evaluation:

Hiding or clinginess during storms
Sensitivity to secondary triggers like wind, rain, or darkened skies
Changes in mobility, such as stiffness or reluctance to move
Avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
Sudden irritability or changes in behavior
Reduced appetite
Regression in potty training

Early intervention can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and recovery.

The cases of Oakley, D, and C demonstrate how medical conditions like discospondylitis can profoundly impact a dog’s behavior. By addressing the underlying medical issues, these dogs were able to make significant behavioral improvements, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to behavior and health.

If your dog’s behavior has changed or you are struggling to explain your concerns to your vet, consider a Behavior Guidance Call with me, which includes a Dynamic Dog Assessment. These consults are performed virtually, allowing me to help anyone in the world. Together, we can uncover the root of the issue and guide your dog toward a happier, healthier life. Reach out today for virtual consultations worldwide or in-person sessions in the Jackson, MS metro area.