There is much folklore and anecdotal evidence surrounding the ability of dogs, as well as other animals, to predict weather and natural disasters. Observations of animals abandoning an area right before tragedy strikes have abounded for centuries.
Accounts of such animal behavior prior to the recent tsunami in south Asia, coupled with the surprising lack of animal carcasses found in the aftermath, has revived speculation about four-legged forecasting. One possibility is that many animals, including dogs, can detect sounds inaudible to humans, as well as ground vibrations, both of which were likely generated by the massive quake that preceded the giant waves.
Regarding dogs specifically, a Japanese medical doctor in 2003 claimed public health records showed accounts of excessive dog barking before the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Seismologists, however, were skeptical.
One former United States Geological Survey geologist claims he can predict earthquakes by monitoring the number of missing pet ads in the newspapers of earthquake-prone areas. A three-year study, however, showed no correlation. The USGS addresses the issue in a section scoffingly called Common Myths About Earthquakes.
While evidence of dogs' ability to predict natural disasters is inconclusive, evidence of their ability to predict the aftereffects of such catastrophes is more robust. When asked what conditions would be like after the next Big One, many dogs replied, "Ruff."
