Pharmacological intervention for noise phobia in dogs reduces acute suffering during events and supports behavioral modification, with multiple licensed options available for different situations.
Pharmacological options for noise phobia provide a direct welfare benefit by reducing acute suffering during events. The replacement of acepromazine with true anxiolytics represents an important welfare advance as acepromazine masked behavioral signs of fear without addressing the emotional experience. Licensed options have demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles that support their use. The welfare case for pre-event medication in dogs with severe noise phobia is compelling — allowing dogs to experience severe panic during storms or fireworks when effective medication exists represents preventable suffering.