Thunderstorm phobia causes severe distress in affected dogs and is one of the most welfare-significant anxiety disorders seen in companion animals. Evidence-based treatments can substantially reduce suffering.
Thunderstorm phobia causes intense acute suffering that may last for hours during and after storms, as dogs remain hypervigilant after the immediate storm passes. The chronic anticipatory anxiety during storm seasons means that welfare is compromised beyond the acute episodes themselves. Dogs left alone during storms may injure themselves attempting to escape, adding physical welfare costs to the psychological distress. The tendency for the condition to worsen with each exposure without treatment means that early intervention is critical. Many dog owners underestimate the welfare significance of storm phobia, viewing distress as normal behaviour rather than a treatable welfare problem requiring intervention.