The arrival of the San Juan and San Pedro festivals represents a real ordeal for a large number of pets in Spain. It is estimated that between 25% and 50% of dogs and cats They suffer severe levels of stress, fear, or even panic due to the explosions of firecrackers and fireworks. This auditory hypersensitivity, far greater than that of humans, transforms the festive noise into an unpredictable threat that can lead to tachycardia, tremors, and desperate attempts to escape.
For many pet owners, the worry begins days before June 23rd, as animals have a great capacity for anticipation and can detect the smell of gunpowder or the sound of parades. It is essential to understand that Fear of noise is not bad behaviorbut a physiological response to stimuli that commonly cause fear in dogsThis requires a preventative action plan to ensure their physical and emotional safety throughout the night.
Creating a safe haven inside the home
One of the most effective measures to mitigate noise pollution is to prepare a safe place where your pet can hide. Ideally, choose an interior room, such as a bathroom or storage room, where the noise is muffled as much as possible. In this space, we should Set out their usual bed, blankets, and favorite toys. so that they associate it with calm. Some experts even suggest allowing them to take refuge in the shower if they spontaneously choose to do so, as long as they feel safe there.
To mask the explosions coming from the street, it's very helpful to turn on the television or radio at a considerable volume. It is also advisable Lower the blinds and close all the windows tightly to block both sound and flashes of light. If the dog is very nervous, intelligence toys filled with tasty food can be used to force it to concentrate on a physical task, helping to controlling anxiety in dogs and divert their attention from what is happening outside the home.
Preventing escapes and safe walking guidelines
The risk of getting lost increases exponentially during nights of intense fireworks. Many animals, panicking, may try to jump out of windows or slip out of their collars in the middle of the street. Therefore, it is advisable replace the conventional collar with a well-fitting harness During walks, this minimizes the chances of escape in the event of an unexpected explosion. Furthermore, it is vital that the microchip is correctly registered in the corresponding identification file to facilitate its location in case of an incident.
Departure times must be drastically altered during these holidays. The most sensible thing to do is take the long walk in broad daylightWell before the main fireworks display begins, dogs should be taken to areas as far away as possible from urban centers or bonfire gathering points. Never let your dog off-leash during this time, as a firework thrown unexpectedly can trigger an uncontrolled flight response that could result in a serious accident.
Emotional support and professional solutions
There's a common misconception that ignoring a frightened animal is best to avoid reinforcing that behavior, but modern veterinarians say that being by their side is essential. We can pet and talk calmly to our pet If they seek our touch, it's because our calm presence helps them feel more protected. What we should never do is scold them for trembling, barking, or hiding, as that will only increase their anxiety and the stress they've accumulated during the night.
In cases of extreme phobia where the animal self-harms or enters a state of complete paralysis, it is essential to consult a professional for evaluation. how to treat a dog with fear through the use of drugs. Today there are oral gels and specific anxiolytic products These methods help manage these specific episodes of intense fear. It is vital to avoid the use of sedatives that stun the animal but do not eliminate its fear, as this could worsen the experience by leaving it unable to move while still perceiving the noise that terrifies it so much.
As every year, the key to getting through these festivities without incident lies in prior preparation and the patience of the owners. Securing the home environment, avoiding unnecessary risks in public, and seeking advice from an ethologist or veterinarian are the cornerstones for ensuring that the furry members of the household have a much more peaceful Midsummer's Eve. At the end of the day, Ensuring the well-being of our animals is a shared responsibility which requires empathy and foresight in the face of a tradition that, although festive for some, is traumatic for others.
