Pets During Bonfires: A Veterinarian's Advice for Dogs During Firework Displays

Fireworks can become a nightmare for many animals, especially dogs and cats that become distressed by loud noises. This is why during the Bonfire days, where firework displays are a tradition and firecrackers are common, it is important to know some advice. Veterinarian Mari Carmen Rodríguez García, a specialist in animal behaviour at AniCura San Vicente Veterinary Hospital, offers key recommendations to help these animals cope better with the noisy days in Alicante.

"Dogs cannot understand the origin of fireworks or the firework displays. These are intense, unexpected noises without any comprehensible association for them. This causes them distress, and they cannot escape because they do not know what it is," explains Rodríguez.

In light of this situation, she advises against applying the so-called total immersion, which means exposing the animal to the noise to get them used to it. "It is very risky. The most sensible thing is to help them perceive the stimuli with less intensity," she notes.

For dogs, the most important thing is that they are accompanied by their reference people, as close presence provides them with security. It can also help if they are with another dog that is not afraid of noise, as the company can reduce their stress level.

The veterinarian recommends creating what is known as a "safe place": a space within the home that the animal already associates with calmness, such as their usual resting area. This place should be located in the quietest part of the house, away from external noise.

Additionally, it may be useful to turn on the television or play relaxing music to muffle the street sounds. Another effective tool is collars, diffusers, or sprays with synthetic pheromones, which help create an atmosphere of calm and security.

"They usually seek silence on their own. They might hide in a wardrobe surrounded by clothes, where there is more sound insulation," the veterinarian comments. In these cases, she recommends reinforcing that hiding place with a blanket that has the cat's own scent. "If we place their blanket in that space, they will feel more secure and associate it with a comfortable environment."

With the arrival of the Bonfires, many domestic animals suffer from anxiety, which is why Rodríguez insists on prevention: "We must not wait for the fireworks to act. Having a calm environment already defined and accompanying them is key to reducing their stress."