During the December holidays, fireworks light up the skies of Merida with colors and sounds.
However, while these celebrations fill many people with joy, the effects of fireworks on dogs and cats can be serious and dangerous. Here we tell you everything you need to know to take care of your pets during the holiday season.
Why do fireworks affect pets so much?
Dogs and cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans. The loud and sudden noises of fireworks can be perceived as a threat, generating stress and anxiety in them.
According to experts from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UNAM, the most common effects in dogs include:
-Anxiety and stress, which can cause tremors and unusual behavior.
-Fear and panic, which often lead to desperate attempts to hide or flee.
-Physical problems, such as ear pain due to the extreme volume of the noise.
-Changes in behavior, including the destruction of objects, constant barking, or disorientation.
In cats, the effects are similar, highlighting their tendency to hide, meow excessively, or develop health problems such as tachycardia and hypertension.
Practical tips to protect your pets
Although we cannot completely avoid fireworks on these dates, we can take measures to protect our pets. These are some key recommendations:
-Enable a safe space: Create a comfortable and quiet area where they can take refuge.
-Reduce the impact of noise: Keep doors and windows closed to minimize external sound.
-Provide distractions: Use toys or treats to divert their attention from noise.
-Use relaxing music: Soft sounds can calm pets.
-Consult the veterinarian: If your pets suffer from severe stress, ask for advice on medications or calming pheromones.
Also, never leave your pets outdoors during these celebrations. This not only increases their exposure to noise but also raises the risk of accidents,
#PasaElDato | ¿Conoces cuál es el impacto de la pirotecnia en #Perros? 🐶🥺 pic.twitter.com/spv5imeAVo
— FMVZ UNAM (@FMVZUNAM) December 12, 2024
This holiday season, let’s celebrate with joy and responsibility. And if possible, let’s choose less noisy and friendlier alternatives for our four-legged friends. Protecting them from stress and fear is also a way of showing them love.
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