With the arrival of the year-end celebrations, most pet owners in Brazil begin to prepare for a dreaded certainty: the fireworks with loud bangs.
Synonymous with spectacle during parties and celebrations, traditional fireworks can cause great harm and health problems for pets. Behind the celebrations, there is a noise pollution emitted by the fireworks with bangs, which can stress dogs and cats, leading to various reactions that can result in escapes and accidents, according to research conducted by Petlove, the largest pet ecosystem in Brazil, in partnership with the Instituto Caramelo.
The study, conducted with over 3,000 people nationwide between November and December, illustrates the real impact of this practice on the well-being of pets and is part of the “Chega de Fogos 2024” campaign, which emphasizes the need for awareness on the issue.
According to the collected data, 39% of respondents lost their pets or know someone who lost their pets due to the panic caused by the loud bangs of fireworks. The survey also shows that fireworks are a concern for most pet owners, as 82% indicated that their animals get scared by the noise, with the most common reactions being hiding (71%) or becoming disoriented (60%).
The veterinarian at Petlove, Pedro Risolia, informs that animals can have a series of adverse reactions to fireworks. “It is very common to see animals trembling with fear, hiding under furniture, or barking nonstop.”
“Some may even try to escape, putting themselves in dangerous situations, such as jumping out of windows or running into the street, which can result in accidents, sometimes even fatal. Among other complications, stress can trigger physical reactions, such as tachycardia, rapid breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea,” he explains.
Looking for the owner’s lap is also one of the main reactions of pets (43%), according to the survey, as well as crying (41%) and insisting on affection (38%). Some pets also react by licking compulsively (27%) or purring (25%).
The veterinarian explains that pets may exhibit these signs due to their sensitivity to sound, as they are capable of hearing sounds that are inaudible to humans. “Due to the loud and unexpected sound, pets may perceive fireworks as a threat, especially cats, which have a very strong protection instinct,” he points out.
To prevent these reactions, Risolia advises taking some precautions before the celebrations. “It is essential to create a safe and cozy environment for the pet. Prepare a corner in the house where they can feel protected, such as a more isolated room or a transport box with blankets. Also, closing the windows and doors helps to muffle the sound and reduce escapes.”
“Play relaxing music to mask external noises and provide distraction. Leaving treats and favorite toys available can also help vary the stimuli. If the fear is very intense, it is important to talk to a trusted veterinarian to assess the need for sedatives or other interventions, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of your pet,” suggests the specialist.
The survey also revealed that most pet owners (60%) believe that fireworks should only be allowed with silent fireworks or should be completely banned (38%), which could indicate a growing awareness of the negative impacts of fireworks on pets’ well-being.
Some regions of Brazil already have legislation regarding fireworks; for example, in São Paulo, there is already a law that prohibits the use of noisy fireworks. In Rio de Janeiro, the City Council approved a bill in October that imposes fines on those who set off noisy fireworks.
In addition to the survey, the company also produced a video to expand the reach of the campaign and raise awareness about the harm caused by fireworks. The video is being launched on Petlove‘s social media. A T-shirt with the message “Fireworks? I’m out! I take my pet and leave” will also be released and distributed to ambassadors and partner personalities, such as @madaebica, @gatalunacatarina, and @shiro_pit.
