Thunder phobia is common in dogs and causes significant suffering during storms. Systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning, combined with appropriate medical support, can significantly reduce fear responses.
Thunder phobia causes acute suffering in affected dogs, often expressed through extreme panic, destructive behaviour, and escape attempts. The phobia frequently worsens without treatment as dogs generalise fear to multiple storm cues. Treatment requires a comprehensive approach: systematic desensitisation with gradual exposure, counter-conditioning pairing storm sounds with positive experiences, and environmental management with safe spaces. Medical support with anxiolytics for acute storm events combined with daily anxiolytics if needed maximises efficacy. Early treatment prevents progressive sensitisation.