How to Keep Pets Safe from Firecrackers During the New Year Revelry

(SPOT.ph) As Filipinos welcome 2023 in raucous revelry, fur parents have the responsibility to keep their dogs and cats away from harmful firecrackers and other pyrotechnics, advocacy groups said.

The noise from exploding firecrackers is "torture" to pet dogs and cats as they have a highly-developed sense of hearing, said Anna Cabrera, the executive director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.

“Firecrackers bring about a terrified response from many dogs and they could sustain serious and even fatal injuries just trying to get away from the deafening noise," she said.

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Aside from the noise, smoke inhalation from firecrackers may also cause anxiety, disorientation, loss of appetite, and an upset stomach to pet animals, Cabrera said.

"What is worse is if they accidentally eat remnants of the firecrackers, this will result in gastrointestinal problems – symptoms of which could be abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and vomiting," she added.

Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, said that apart from its dangers to humans and animals, the use of fireworks and firecrackers is harmful to the environment at large.

“For the health and safety of our canine and feline friends and our own children, we urge all individuals, households and business establishments to steer clear of firecrackers and fireworks and opt for a new way of welcoming 2023 without causing harm to animals, humans and the ecosystems,” she said.

Tips to keep pets safe from New Year revelry

For fur parents who are living in neighborhoods where use of firecrackers and fireworks is expected, here are some tips to keep pet dogs and cats safe from the New Year revelry, according to PAWS and EcoWaste Coalition:

1. Walk or take your pets for a run, vigorous play, or physical activity on the morning of December 31 so they would be soundly sleeping by the time the revelry begins on January 1.
2. Keep pets inside to avoid them becoming stressed or exposed to loud explosions and toxic fumes. Never chain or tie them outside your home.
3. Escape-proof your home to prevent pets from going out during the revelry. Make sure they have a collar with a tag indicating the pet owner’s details.
4. Make pets pee or poo before the revelry starts, and give them access to water.
5. Provide a quiet and safe spot where pets can stay during the revelry. Shut the windows, pull the curtains down and play soft music inside your home.
6. Turn on the television if this will help mask the noise of the firecrackers.
7. Act as normal and as calm as possible even while the explosions are at their worst so that your pets will take a cue from your behavior.
8. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet drops of “Rescue Remedy” or calming edible drops on their favorite treat  ahead of time.
9. Keep alcoholic drinks, chocolate, fruit cake, nuts, shopping bags, tobacco products, and cleaning agents out of pet's reach to prevent choking and poisoning incidents.
10. Give stray animals a safe haven in your garage if you have the space – provide temporary shelter, food and water, especially during the revelry.