Loud noises can cause anything from stress to escape attempts, so it is essential to anticipate and create a suitable environment inside the house, which is their safe space.
SANTO DOMINGO – The end-of-year festivities involve very high levels of noise due to celebrations with fireworks and firecrackers. While this is a spectacle and a source of joy for humans, it can be a traumatic experience for dogs. Their hearing is much more sensitive, and the loud noises can cause tachycardia, disorientation, anxiety attacks, and even dangerous escape attempts.
Those family members who provide so much support and contribute to emotional well-being need special care during this noisy night, and we seek advice from experts, such as César Millán, in several publications, to share with the readers of El Inmobiliario.
The renowned "dog whisperer" shared specific guidelines for this time of year on his official website, which were also reported by media outlets such as Europa Press and Oh My Dog Magazine. Millán recommends:
– Prior preparation : avoid exposing the dog directly to the noise, providing it with a quiet place away from fireworks.
– Convey calm : owners must maintain a serene attitude, because if the dog perceives nervousness, its anxiety will increase.
– Do not reinforce the fear : avoid hugging or overprotecting him during outbursts, as he may interpret that there is a real danger, when in reality there is not.
– Exercise before midnight : a long walk that includes intense play helps the dog be more relaxed when returning home and praying that there are no overtaken vehicles blowing things up along the way.
– Safe space : create a corner inside the house where the dog feels protected, with its bed, toys, water and its favorite person.
An invention
The ThunderShirt is the latest fashion craze for dogs and likely a great way to cope with the stress of fireworks. It's a snug-fitting vest that applies gentle, constant pressure to the dog's body, creating a feeling of security similar to a hug.
In the Dominican Republic, it's available at SuperPet Club (petmarket.do) and online at Amazon and other specialty stores. It's recommended for stressful situations such as fireworks, storms, travel, or visits to the vet, and should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before the stressful event.
An Argentine veterinarian, Juan Manuel Godoy, quoted by Infobae in December 2023, explained that "Dogs experience intense levels of anxiety in the face of fireworks due to their acute sense of hearing.".
For her part, veterinarian María José Lubertino, in an interview with Animals Health in December 2024, warned that “loud noises can cause anything from stress to escape attempts, so it is essential to anticipate and create a safe environment inside the home.”.
As Cesar Millan reminds us, the dog needs a calm leader who shows him that there is no danger.
Other experts point out that the most difficult time is the first hour after midnight, when the fireworks are at their most intense. Therefore, they recommend that during this period, the dog should ideally be in its safe space, accompanied by its favorite, trusted person, and with distracting stimuli such as soft music or white noise.
Welcoming the new year can be a celebration for families, but it's a big challenge for pets. The key is prevention and providing a sense of security.
With preparation and care, the start of the year can be less traumatic for them and more peaceful for everyone.
