Noise phobia — particularly to thunderstorms and fireworks — affects an estimated 40-50% of dogs and causes severe acute distress. Effective management significantly improves welfare outcomes.
Thunderstorm phobia causes genuine terror in affected dogs — the physiological responses are equivalent to those seen in panic disorders. Confining a panicking dog without treatment causes welfare harm. Effective interventions include medication before predicted events, pressure wraps (ThunderShirts), acoustic shielding, and trained behavioural responses to safe spaces. Starting a desensitisation programme in summer for autumn firework season gives adequate preparation time.