Most of us have heard the old saying, “it’s raining cats and dogs.” But what else can our dogs teach us about the weather? Can dogs sense when a storm is brewing? Let’s take a look at some of the things that might lead us to believe that our furry friends can indeed predict the weather.
Dogs Have a Keen Sense of Smell and Hearing
One of the things that set dogs apart from humans is their sense of smell. Dogs have approximately 220 million scent receptors in their noses, while humans have only about 5 million. This means that dogs can smell things that we would never even think to sniff out.
So, it stands to reason that one way dogs might be able to sense the weather is by detecting changes in barometric pressure via their keen sense of smell.
Another incredible sense that many dogs have is hearing. Many times storms make quite a lot of noise, especially thunderstorms. Your dog may be able to hear a storm coming before you can notice the storm is nearby.
Dogs are Sensitive to Changes in Atmospheric Pressure
Dogs are amazing creatures that seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to the weather. For centuries, people have relied on dogs to give them a heads-up when a storm is approaching. It’s not uncommon for dogs to start acting restless or anxious before a change in the weather, and many owners have learned to trust their dogs’ instincts.
But how do dogs know when the weather is about to change? One theory is that dogs can sense changes in barometric pressure.
When the barometric pressure starts to drop, it signals an approaching storm. Low-pressure systems typically bring cloudy skies, higher humidity, and precipitation.
As the storm gets closer, the pressure continues to drop even further. For dogs, this change in pressure can cause ear pain or discomfort. This is another proposed method that dogs use in order to detect the changing weather.
So, if you notice your dog pawing at his ears or shaking his head more than usual, it could be an indication that a storm is on the way.
Dogs have been known to act strange right before a storm
As any dog owner knows, dogs have a way of acting strange right before a storm. Some say that it’s because they can sense the change in barometric pressure. Others believe that dogs are more attuned to subtle changes in the environment, such as the sound of far-off thunder or the scent of rain in the air.
Whatever the reason, dogs often exhibit strange behaviors when a storm is approaching. They may pace restlessly, whine or howl, hide under furniture, or try to escape from the house. While these behaviors can be frustrating for owners, they are just another example of the amazing ways that dogs perceive the world around them.
If your dog exhibits a change in behavior before a storm, make sure to pay attention to your dog. This is especially useful for people who enjoy the outdoors. There is nothing that can turn a nice day on the mountain sour and dangerous quite like a big storm. Your dog may be able to help you avoid these sticky situations by giving you a personalized forecast of the weather.
Protect your dog in cases of extreme weather
Just like humans, dogs can sense when a storm is coming. They may start to pace and become restless, or they may try to hide. While some dogs are able to weather the storm without any problems, others may become anxious or scared.
If you know that your dog is prone to anxiety during extreme weather, there are some steps you can take to help protect them. First, make sure they have a safe space to retreat to. This could be a crate or a room where they feel comfortable and safe. You may also want to consider getting them a calming supplement or using CBD oil to help reduce their anxiety.
During the storm itself, stay calm and reassuring. Let your dog know that everything is going to be alright. By following these steps, you can help protect your dog from the stresses of extreme weather.
Be aware when your dog senses something you can’t
Regardless of whether dogs can sense the weather, it’s important to be aware of their behavior and take precautions when necessary. If your dog is acting strangely, it might be because they can sense something that you can’t.
For example, dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, so they might be able to smell a storm coming long before we can. This keen sense of smell can also detect other types of danger such as smoke from a fire or other harmful substances.
If you’re ever unsure about why your dog is acting a certain way, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Try to discover what is causing your dog to act differently and you may just avoid danger yourself.
If your dog is acting strangely and you can’t quite figure out why, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to help you figure out if there’s anything to worry about and offer advice on how to keep your dog safe during inclement weather.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no definitive answer as to whether or not dogs can sense when bad weather is coming, there are certainly some indications that they might have a “sixth sense” when it comes to predicting storms. So, next time you see your dog acting strangely, pay attention! He just might be trying to tell you that something big is about to happen…literally!
Has your dog ever predicted the weather? Let us know in the comments below!
