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Check out 11 tips that can help you protect your dog from festive fireworks

Edited and resized image by Matthew Henry is available on Unsplash

Knowing how to protect your dog from fireworks can prevent serious problems. Don't leave him alone, play classical music and avoid tying him up are some tips you can adhere to so he's less scared during a fireworks display. Check out other tips to protect your dog from fires:

Fireworks

The fireworks were taken to Europe by the Arabs, starting to be used in Italy, at the end of the 14th century, in civic and/or religious festivities. Since then, there have been reports of its use for various purposes, especially during periods of celebration. However, this practice appreciated by some people can cause irreversible damage to animals, environment and people, and can be understood as a form of air and noise pollution. Learn more about this topic in the article: "Fireworks burning: spectacle does not compensate for damage".

• Noise pollution: what it is and how to avoid it
• What is air pollution? Know causes and types

Damage to animals

Edited and resized image by Ruby Schmank is available on Unsplash

The main problems caused to animals as a result of the noise of fireworks are behavioral reactions such as stress and anxiety. There are cases that resolve only with the use of sedatives or can lead to physical damage and even death.

Noise, associated with fear, triggers physiological stress responses through activation of the neuroendocrine system, which results in a fight-or-flight response, observed through increased heart rate, peripheral vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, piloerection (shivering) in hair) and changes in glucose metabolism.

The scared animal tries to get away from the noise by trying to hide in or under furniture or tight spaces; may try to run out of the window, dig holes, become aggressive; have excessive salivation, wheezing, temporary diarrhea; urinating or defecating involuntarily. During the attempt to escape from the noise caused by fireworks, accidents such as being run over, falls, collisions, epileptic seizures, disorientation, deafness, heart attack or the disappearance of the animal can happen, which can travel long distances in a state of panic and not be able to return to your place of origin.

Although fireworks burning is sporadic, concern about damage to animals is legitimate, as the fear caused by the noise of fireworks can trigger widespread fears for other noises of similar types, such as the sound of thunder.

How to protect your dog from fires

Check out some tips adapted from the non-profit organization "El Campito Refugio" on how to protect your dog from fireworks :

Edited and resized image by João Victor Xavier, available on Unsplash

• Avoid tying him up, as the animal can get hurt;
• Avoid leaving it in the backyard, terrace or balcony;
• Set up a shelter with fresh water and loud music (experts say classical music helps fight stress).
• Leave it well fed, but with no food available during the fireworks display;
• Try not to touch it as this can reinforce stress;
• Tag them with a collar that clearly shows a contact phone number so that if they escape they can be returned;
• If you know that there will be a fireworks display, take a walk before he gets tired;
• Don't leave him alone;
• Place it in a safe room, free from obstacles, without mirrors or sharp edges, and with the windows and curtains closed;
• If you can, leave a little house, walk and/or cloths with the owner's scent so that he can "hide" there, this brings security
• Always seek veterinary help before opting for sedatives.