Fear of fireworks affects a large proportion of dogs and causes acute suffering during firework seasons, but evidence-based treatment significantly reduces anxiety.
Fireworks phobia causes acute suffering in dogs - panting, trembling, hiding, self-injury and desperate escape attempts. This is not simply being startled; it is a genuine fear response causing intense suffering for hours. Early intervention with behavioural therapy prevents worsening, and medication provides critical welfare support for affected dogs during unavoidable firework exposure.