dogs sensing approaching tornadoes

Question
  hi..this is a strange question, but i have heard that when a tornado is impending, dogs start to act in strange manners. first, is that true?  second, if it is, in what way (s) do they usually behave if they sense this? thanks!  :)

Answer
Hello, James. Thanks for asking! I do not live in an area that has tornadoes, so I have no first-hand experience, but it is absolUTELY true that animals (not just dogs) can sense when a storm and/or tornado is approaching. Dogs can also predict epileptic siezures hours before it occurs, and do so without being trained.

I'm not exactly sure how they do it, but perhaps they can sense subtle change in barometric pressure and/or electrical activity or changes in magnetic fields that occur with the onset of a tornado.

Behavior varies with each dog. Some dogs become nervous or restless; some try to seek shelter in a closet or bathtub; some dogs whimper and whine. It all depends on the individual dog.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but there is very little information on the subject.

If you need help with anything else, please don't hesitate to ask!

Kristen