Noise phobia — particularly fear of thunderstorms and fireworks — affects an estimated 25-50% of dogs and causes significant acute suffering. Evidence-based treatment options exist but are underused, and many dogs suffer unnecessarily throughout their lives.
Noise phobia causes acute psychological suffering during triggering events that may occur hundreds of times per year in some climates. The subjective experience of a dog in the grip of phobic fear — elevated heart rate, flooding of stress hormones, frantic escape behaviour — constitutes significant negative welfare that persists for hours after the triggering event ends. Many owners misattribute the behaviour to "naughtiness" rather than genuine fear and fail to seek treatment. The precautionary approach is clear: evidence-based interventions exist and should be offered routinely in veterinary practice. Pressure wraps (ThunderShirts) provide modest relief for some dogs. Anti-anxiety medication used situationally — before predicted fireworks events — dramatically reduces suffering and should be considered when behavioural strategies alone are insufficient.