Proactive preparation for thunderstorm season significantly reduces the welfare impact on phobic dogs through desensitisation, environmental management and veterinary support.
Dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia experience a predictable annual pattern of welfare compromise. Without proactive management, each storm season worsens sensitisation. Owners who prepare appropriate support in advance significantly reduce acute suffering during individual storm events. The welfare gap between dogs with proactively managed storm phobia and those with no intervention is substantial and entirely addressable through available means.