Sugar’s Story: Why She’s Scared of Thunderstorms
Sugar hates thunderstorms. She hated them as a puppy and hates them now. Thunderstorms are loud, obnoxious, and can sometimes sound like they’re going to rip the roof off a building. More importantly, the sound volume is always unexpected. Even when you plan for it to rain. And if the wind starts howling, it takes that thunderstorm to a completely different level.
Yesterday, Sugar was minding her business baking pupcakes in her kitchen. She was feeling nostalgic, so she decided to bake her mom’s Cinnamon Oatmeal Pupcakes. Sugar had taken the last batch out of the oven. Then all of sudden. BOOM! Thunder. And lightning.
So, she left those pupcakes cooling on the rack and ran to curl up under her favorite quilt to weather the storm.
5 Products That Help Dogs with Thunderstorm Anxiety
Now, you’re probably thinking. “How can a grown dog with her own pupcakery be scared of a little thunder?” But it’s true.
That’s why Sugar loves this quilt. It’s heavy, warm, and smells like cinnamon. Ok. The cinnamon aroma is really the pupcakes she just finished baking cooling on the rack. Sugar pulls her quilt out every time there’s a thunderstorm. It helps reduce her anxiety and keeps her calm during the storm.
Listen. I get it. Most dog moms have had to comfort their dog through at least one thunderstorm, howling wind, fireworks display, or some other loud booming sound.
Sugar has hated loud noises since she was a puppy. She has two responses. She’ll bark consistently until the noise completely stops. Or Sugar will run and hide. She usually hides under a blanket while snuggled up next to me.
Every dog is different, but there a few things dog moms can include in their budget to help their dog weather the storm. Here are five ideas.
Anxiety Vest or Thunder Jacket
Average Cost: $15–$50
An anxiety vest applies gentle pressure around your dog’s body. The goal is to act like a calming hug. Many dogs feel more secure wearing one during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Weighted Blanket or Comfort Snuggle Spot
Average Cost: $65–$200
Some dogs calm down when they can burrow under a heavy blanket or cuddle closely with their dog parent. The gentle weight can help create a sense of safety during loud storms. Sugar loves snuggling under my weighted blanket.
Calming Treats or Chews
Average Cost: $15–$35 per container
Calming treats often contain natural ingredients that help promote relaxation during stressful situations. Giving them before a storm can help reduce shaking, pacing, or restlessness.
Calming Pheromone Spray or Diffuser
Average Cost: $15–$40
These products release calming scents that mimic natural signals dogs associate with safety. Spraying them on bedding or in a safe space can help create a more relaxed environment during storms.
Calming Dog Bed or Safe Den Area
Average Cost: $30–$100
A calming bed with raised edges gives dogs a place to curl up and feel protected. Creating a cozy “storm safe space” can help your dog settle more easily when thunder starts.
Pupcakes Through the Storm
Even though Sugar hates thunderstorms, she’s learned that they can’t last forever. Eventually, the rain stops, the thunder quiets, and the sun comes out. Then her quilt can go back in the closet for safe keeping, and she can get back to baking pupcakes.
I told myself the same thing when I got laid off. I was applying for 5 jobs a day for months before I finally landed one. To avoid panicking, I had to keep myself busy.
Baking and spending time with Sugar were the 2 things that kept me relaxed and positive as I weathered my own personal storm. Trying out new pupcake recipes and watching Sugar taste test them became my daily practice of gratitude. And those daily practices of gratitude evolved into some amazing stories.
After months, the storm ended and I finally found a job. Plus, Sugar still gets to eat a few pupcakes, and I get to create stories about her experiences with them.
Fun Fact About Sugar
Sugar’s quilt wasn’t just some blanket she bought at the store. Her mom passed it down to her. Sugar’s grandmom made it for her mom. And when Sugar was born, her mom gave it to her. Sugar often turned to her quilt as a form of comfort. When she was a puppy, Sugar used to sleep with it every night.
In fact, this patch right here. It’s from Sugar’s grandmom’s apron. Sugar’s grandmom loved to bake pupcakes too. So, Sugar’s love and talent for baking is more than a dream career. It’s her legacy. Which makes baking each pupcake an even more beautiful experience.
