Fear of fireworks is one of the most common and distressing welfare problems in dogs, affecting millions of animals each year during bonfire season and other celebrations.
Noise phobia causes genuine panic in affected dogs, with physiological responses including elevated heart rate, cortisol, and adrenaline that parallel those seen in life-threatening situations. Dogs in panic states injure themselves attempting to escape, run onto roads, or destroy property. The welfare cost is repeated annually and is entirely predictable. Unlike many welfare problems, noise phobia has effective treatments available, but most owners do not seek veterinary help until the condition is severe. Preventive desensitisation in puppies substantially reduces adult phobia risk. The regulatory argument for quieter consumer fireworks has strong welfare evidence and wide public support.