Overview
- Utrecht researchers surveyed 3,500 owners and found two-thirds report firework-related problems starting as early as September.
- Animals show acute fear responses with average recovery around 30 minutes, and some develop chronic stress or long-lasting avoidance.
- Experts recommend early desensitization, closing curtains and windows, masking noise, staying nearby, providing safe hideaways, and consulting veterinarians for medication.
- Studies disagree on whether comforting reduces stress, though owner presence can blunt physiological reactions, highlighting evidence gaps for best practice.
- The Dierenbescherming fears the 'heaviest' year-end for pets, citing high rates of fear in cats and dogs and urging measures like not leaving animals alone and keeping dogs leashed and cats indoors.