Noise phobia, particularly to fireworks and thunderstorms, is one of the most common welfare problems in companion dogs, causing acute suffering that can be effectively managed with appropriate intervention.
Noise phobia represents an annual welfare crisis for millions of dogs whose suffering during fireworks events is acute and preventable in many cases. The distress response to noise phobia is not minor anxiety but a full fear response with significant physiological activation. Dogs have been killed escaping from fireworks fear. The welfare problem is compounded by owner normalisation of distress and reluctance to seek veterinary treatment for what is perceived as a behavioural rather than medical problem. Evidence-based treatment combining behaviour modification with pharmacological support when needed is effective but requires professional guidance and owner commitment. Public education campaigns around fireworks periods have improved awareness but treatment-seeking rates remain low relative to the prevalence of the problem.