YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Thunderstorm phobia in animals is real and not uncommon.

The phobia can cause pets to hide for hours, chew things up or even become aggressive during a storm.

A Youngstown-area veterinarian said that it is important to recognize there is a problem early.

The behaviors tend to get worse as storm season goes on and the storms become more frequent. The phobia can also get worse as the animals get older.

According to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, some dogs react to the noise of thunder and others react to the lightning. Some believe that the dogs can sense the change in the barometric pressure from the storm.

But there are ways to help. (READ MORE HERE): http://nbc4i.com/2016/04/26/thunderstorm-phobia-in-pets-can-be-helped-according-to-vets/