Every firework is an explosion of fear

Impact on pets

While many people enjoy the dazzling display of fireworks to celebrate the New Year, these loud explosions can be incredibly frightening and distressing for animals.

Terrified animals may panic and attempt to escape, often running away from their homes or gardens. This increases the risk of them getting lost or being struck by vehicles. Elderly animals or those with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to the stress, and may even suffer fatal heart attacks.

Impact on wildlife

Fireworks pose significant risks to wildlife, including birds, squirrels, small mammals, and even aquatic creatures like fish. The sudden loud noises and bright flashes can disorient and frighten these animals, leading to:

  • Collisions: Animals may panic and collide with trees, walls, windows, or electrical cables.
  • Increased road fatalities: Disoriented animals may run into roadways and be struck by vehicles

Environmental impact

Another negative consequence is that Fireworks contain toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. These residues can contaminate the environment and pose a serious threat to animals if ingested and have a devastating impact on the environment.

10 Simple Recommendation

OIPA has compiled a list of 10 simple recommendations (DOWNLOAD HERE_10 TIPS)) to help you keep your dog, cat, or other pet safe from fireworks during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

 

 

  1.  Keep animals as far away as possible from celebrations or from places where fireworks are lighted up. Animals are much more sensitive than humans to loud noise, flashing lights and strong smells;
  2. Don’t leave your animals alone! They might have uncontrolled reactions and get hurt. Stay closed to your pet, be calm and try to distract the animal from the noise;
  3. Don’t leave your animals outside! If your pets are used to stay outdoors, keep them safely indoors to prevent the possibility of running away;
  4. Keep your TV or radio loud, close windows and shutters in a way to soften the noise caused by fireworks’ explosion;
  5. Leave your animals to take shelter wherever they prefer, even if normally it’s a forbidden place. Let them to feel protected in a comfortable place or location;
  6. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash during walks. Don’t leave your dog free, even inside dog parks. The animal, driven by fear and anxiety, might run away getting lost or ending up hit by a car;
  7. Ask a veterinary, specialized in animal behaviour, for suggestions and demand a supportive therapy that might alleviate your pet’s fear and axiety but only if strictly needed;
  8. DON’T give sedatives to your animals as home remedy, certain drugs might have negative effects or enhance the phobic state;
  9. Try to spend the New Year’s Eve with your pets in a place far from loud and unexpected noise. Safeguard their physical and psychological health;
  10. Ask your Municipality to issue a warning to ban fireworks and raise awareness in your community explaining which danger and effects unnecessary noises caused on pets and wild animals.