Fireworks are part of end-of-year celebrations and are, for many people, a visual spectacle associated with celebration and joy. For pets, however, the scenario is very different. Intense, unexpected and repetitive noise can provoke extreme fear reactions, with serious consequences for the health and well-being of dogs and cats.
According to the website Veterinário sobre roda, a platform specialized in veterinary care at home, animals do not understand the origin of the sounds nor are they able to anticipate their end. For them, the sudden noise is interpreted as a real threat, triggering stress responses that vary from animal to animal, but which can be particularly intense at times like New Year’s Eve.
The most common signs of fear include tremors, tachycardia, rapid breathing, vomiting, excessive salivation and loss of urinary or bowel control. Some animals try to hide, others try to escape, howl, moan or bark persistently.
According to the same source, in more serious cases, especially in elderly, very anxious animals or those with chronic pathologies, this stress can even progress to convulsions or life-threatening situations.
According to the same source, prevention begins before the night of the fireworks. One of the strategies is to gradually accustom the animal to loud sounds, using recordings of fireworks played at low volume. Whenever the animal remains calm, it should be positively reinforced. This training should be progressive and never forced.
Creating a safe space inside your home is another essential step. The place should be calm, comfortable and familiar, with the usual bed, blankets or favorite toys. In the case of cats, the use of synthetic pheromones can help create a more relaxing environment. The publication also highlights the importance of maintaining a normal routine throughout the day, including walks and games, in order to reduce accumulated energy and promote relaxation.
The diet must also be adjusted. The ideal is to have the main meal one to two hours before the busiest period, avoiding both an empty stomach and heavy digestion, which can increase discomfort in stressful situations.
What to do during fireworks
During fireworks displays, the recommendation is clear: animals must remain indoors. According to the same website, doors, windows, blinds and curtains must be closed to attenuate outside sound. Keeping the television or radio on at a moderate volume can help mask the noise of the fireworks, as long as this does not increase the animal’s alertness.
Whenever possible, do not leave the animal alone. The presence of the tutor, calm and calm, conveys security. It is important not to reinforce fear with nervous attitudes, but also not to completely ignore the animal if it seeks proximity. Physical contact can be comforting, as long as the animal accepts it.
In the case of cats, the recommendation is not to remove them from the chosen hiding place. Forcing them to go out can worsen stress. For dogs, interactive food toys can be a good form of distraction. If you are outside, using a leash is essential to avoid escapes or accidents.
When to seek veterinary support
The same source warns that some animals, particularly those that already have a history of seizures or severe anxiety, may require additional support. There are natural tranquilizers and, in specific cases, medication prescribed by the veterinarian. Human medicines or improvised solutions should never be administered without professional advice.
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be a time of suffering for pets. With preparation, attention and some simple measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the impact of fireworks and help dogs and cats to go through this phase more calmly.
As , protecting animal welfare is also a way to start the new year with responsibility and empathy.
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