Overview
- Experts report that dogs and cats experience fireworks as intensely loud and visually startling, triggering fear, anxiety and even tachycardia that can lead to escape attempts or injuries.
- Owners are advised to set up an indoor refuge away from windows with familiar bedding and toys, ensure fresh water, keep lighting low and use soft music or background noise to blunt sudden bangs.
- Maintaining regular feeding and walk routines, providing a long walk or play session before the evening, and testing food‑dispensing or focus toys in advance can help reduce arousal.
- Guidance includes keeping pets indoors with doors and windows secured, avoiding tying them up or leaving them outside, and using identification tags in case they flee.
- Preparations recommended now include gradual sound desensitization and, if needed, pheromones or supplements, with veterinarians cautioning against anesthetics and reserving prescribed anxiolytics for severe cases; in Peru, animal groups and some municipalities are promoting quieter, regulated fireworks.