DECODE: Why pets are scared of firecrackers

USUALLY, Filipinos are fond of using firecrackers to welcome the new year. Filipinos traditionally set off fireworks and make a lot of noise in an effort to scare away any evil spirits that may be there. The Chinese are credited with the inception of this belief.

However, it’s not just the evil spirits that are frightened off by firecrackers. The cute little angels we call pets are as well.

Austria-based global animal welfare group Four Paws International, which focuses on improving the living conditions of animals worldwide, released an explanation as to why firecrackers may be harmful to your pets during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Noise distress

Sounds are just reported to be of a significantly higher volume to dogs and cats than they are to people. The average dog’s hearing is four times more sensitive than a human’s, while a cat’s hearing is even more sensitive to noise than dogs. 

Trauma

Because fireworks are not only deafening but can also be random, it is hard for animals to make sense of the noises they hear. They immediately associate the noise with potential harm, and every instinct tells them to flee to a spot where they will be protected. The bright flashes of light that are created by pyrotechnics also appear to be equally as frightening to animals as the loud noises, the organization said. 

Sign of danger

The entire impact of fireworks is similar to the loud thunderclaps and lightning flashes caused by thunderstorms, which frequently cause animals to react with terror (astraphobia), it said. 

Thunderstorm-like effect

Since fireworks are set off at a lower elevation than thunderstorms, the force of their explosions can be even more devastating. In addition, there are caustic scents surrounding the lights and noises, which makes these toxic for your pets’ health, said Four Paws International.

What to do?

According to the organization, it’s essential to ensure that pet dogs and cats have plenty of positive interactions with other people and animals to prevent them from developing a lifelong phobia of loud noises like fireworks. 

Animals need to have as many positive experiences as they can. This is especially important when they are still in the most susceptible stage of their development in order for them to be properly socialized. For dogs, this is between the ages of three to 12 weeks, while for cats, this is between two to seven weeks, the report said.

“Well-socialized animals can cope much better with unfamiliar situations later in life than animals that have had little or no positive experiences during their sensitive phase,” Four Paws International noted.

Familiarizing your pet with the noise will also help minimize their fireworks phobia. Playing a fireworks recording while delivering positive rewards like cuddles, treats, and tummy rubs will alleviate their fear of the noise. However, if your pet shows signs of stress, discontinue the session, it said.

Don’t forget to make your pets safe during the New Year’s Eve celebration, fur mommies, and daddies.