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Some things have been learned and There is no longer the fury of pyrotechnics like a few years ago. However, many people still like to celebrate Christmas and New Years with fireworks. It is known: many people have been injured or suffered accidents when launching a rocket, as it is also called.
This type of fun adds another negative point: it does very harm to pets. The noise and pollution generated by fireworks considerably affects different species of animals.especially those that have been domesticated and inhabit millions of homes.
The harmful effects of fireworks on pets focus mainly on their acute sense of hearing. Diverse studies veterinarians have shown that Animal hearing is much more sensitive than human hearing.making the noise of fireworks and rockets not only annoying, but also can seriously damage your hearing.
In addition, these noises cause fear and stress in pets, which can lead to the development of phobias to these stimuli. This extreme fear can result in atypical behaviors such as running away disoriented, self-harm, or even hurting other people.
Furthermore, they may suffer palpitations, tachycardia, gasping, salivation, tremors, feeling short of breath, lightheadedness, and loss of controlamong others.
The use of fireworks leads to environmental pollution that seriously affects pets. The explosion of these devices releases toxic particles that, when inhaled by animals, can worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases or cause new conditions. Additionally, these contaminants can irritate pets’ eyes and, in more severe situations, cause burns. There is also a constant risk of poisoning if animals ingest fireworks residue.
Juan Di Paolo, veterinarian and technical advisor at Royal Canin, expanded to Infobae: “Fireworks can have a significant impact on dogs and cats due to their keen sense of hearing and sensitivity to sudden stimuli.” And he provided these 4 keys:
Hearing hypersensitivity:
Dogs and cats have a much sharper sense of hearing than humans, which is why loud, unexpected noises from fireworks can be overwhelming and frightening to them. “This can cause everything from episodes of stress and anxiety to physical damage to their hearing aids, such as tinnitus and, in extreme cases, irreversible injuries,” said the expert.
The explosion of firecrackers:
In addition to the auditory impact, “pyrotechnics release harmful chemical particles such as fine dust, these particles can aggravate existing diseases in animals and cause new health problems. Proximity to explosion zones also exposes animals to risks such as burns and eye damage due to chemicals,” Di Paolo said.
Fear reactions:
The noise and brightness of fireworks can trigger fear responses in pets. “Dogs may seek shelter, hide or even try to escape to get away from noise, increasing the risk of accidents. “Cats, known to be especially sensitive to changes in their environment, may react by seeking refuge in elevated or isolated places to feel safe,” added the veterinarian.
Changes in behavior:
“Pets stressed by fireworks may exhibit changes in their usual behavior, such as trembling, excessive panting, persistent barking (in the case of dogs), lack of appetite and, in extreme cases, fear aggression,” Di Paolo added.
Given the multiple adverse effects that fireworks generate on the physical state of pets, experts around the world have issued a series of recommendations to care for and mitigate the damage that these popular devices cause to animals.
In the case of domestic pets, it is recommended:
-Provide a welcoming and safe environment during the use of fireworks. This includes their favorite toy, food, water, and familiar sounds. It is also crucial to place them in an area with no easy exits to prevent panic from leading them to flee and possibly be harmed or lost.
-During the fireworks show, distracting pets with food or pleasurable activities can be an effective strategy to minimize their attention to outside noises.
Di Paolo maintained along these lines that to guarantee the well-being of our pets during mass gatherings and the use of fireworks, “it is essential to provide them with an environment that is safe and familiar to them. Find a comfortable and safe space. It is also important to leave him his crib or some other element that he recognizes, so that he feels safe. It is always necessary to leave him fresh water and food, as well as a toy to bite. “It becomes the first key measure.”
And he added: “It is advisable to carefully choose the place where we place our pets during these events, a room is one of the best options, especially if this area lacks close exits to the outside. This helps prevent situations where, due to panic, pets could run away. Close the windows and blinds adds a layer of protection, reducing exposure to external sound stimuli. If there are more pets, evaluate if it is appropriate for them to be together or if they may attack each other. In that case, place them in different places.”
If the guardian cannot be with their pet during these events, it is essential to avoid practices such as tying it up or locking it in a small space.
“Instead, it is recommended to create a quiet area to help minimize the impact of stress. This extra care not only ensures the physical safety of pets, but also helps maintain their emotional well-being during the fireworks. It is important that the pet has a collar that identifies it with the owner’s contact information, so that it can be returned if lost.”Di Paolo recommended.
Should any type of medication be administered? This is a question that usually appears when trying to help the animal not to feel the noises.
“Before administering any type of medication or supplement to pets to calm them during the end-of-year celebrations or any other situation that may cause stress, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian. Every pet has a specific situation, that is why it should be prescribed considering factors such as its general health, medical history, weight and possible interactions with other medications,” Di Paolo said.
“Prescription medications are one possibility that your veterinarian may recommend. And for those owners who can’t give their cats oral medications, prescription diets with anti-stress nutraceuticals are as easy to use as filling the food bowl. Alternatively, the option of nutritional supports for stressful situations that contribute to the reduction of associated behaviors can be considered, which contain Contains hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan to provide nutritional support in the management of cats prone to behavioral changes in the environment. changing and stressful situations,” the expert concluded.
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