by Kimberly Hahn
It isn’t difficult to understand how fireworks’ loud, unexpected bangs and sizzling explosions that cause such excitement could also cause negative effects on so many. Veterans with PTSD, children on the autism spectrum, survivors of gun violence, pets, and even wildlife and farm animals routinely suffer on the July 4th weekend.
Your dog’s hearing is far more acute than yours. Dogs hear up to 60,000hz, while humans can only hear 20,000hz. Fireworks, which commence without warning, can trigger a startle response in dogs, causing acute anxiety and fear in situations they can’t comprehend. Just like in humans, the startle response triggers racing hearts, a surge of adrenalin, and an urge to flee. The ASPCA says more dogs get lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.
Towns across the globe are leading the way, with some, like Collecchio, Italy, even banning loud fireworks, and many others choosing low-noise alternatives. And while fireworks have been the go-to way to celebrate for hundreds of years, rapidly advancing technology provides a more futuristic and eco-friendly substitute for staging dazzling night sky shows—drones.
Drones and drone light shows are now readily available and offer the possibility of digitizing night sky displays. Hundreds or sometimes thousands of these little agile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with powerful LED lights can be dispatched hundreds of feet into the sky. These flying pixels provide a digital version of fireworks that narrate magical stories in a green, reusable, and non-polluting way. The same fleet of drones can be redeployed at numerous events, and they are chemical and noise pollution free. Many cities across the country will be using drone displays instead of traditional fireworks displays this holiday.
Although dogs are most at risk for noise aversion reactions, other pets may also respond to specific noises with anxiety. Pets with noise aversions could react by hiding, and many pets may become confused about the direction of the sounds and respond by looking for an escape route. Their fight-or-flight response puts them at great risk of becoming lost or hurt when they jump through windows or run into the street in front of moving cars.
In advance of the upcoming holiday, be sure to verify that your pet’s microchip is functioning and the registration has up-to-date contact information should your pet go missing.
Other pet safety tips include:
- Schedule bathroom and meal breaks for your pet so they are not outside during peak fireworks times.
- Do not bring an anxious pet to a fireworks celebration.
- Keep your pet on a leash, including in your fenced-in backyard, if bathroom breaks are needed after dark.
- Designate a safe and quiet space such as a crate or back of a closet as your pet’s retreat during fireworks displays.
- Provide your pet with their favorite toy, extra love, and treats during the fireworks to encourage a positive association with the noise.
Additionally, there are some over-the-counter ways to prevent firework anxiety or other noise aversion problems, which include:
- Pheromone sprays such as Adaptil or Feliway to promote a sense of well-being.
- Calming supplements or diets.
- Anxiety vest or Thundershirt to provide gentle pressure around your pet’s torso to help decrease stress.
We wish all our pet parents and pets a happy, healthy, and safe holiday weekend!
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