How to protect your cats and dogs during Sant Joan fireworks

For many, Sant Joan is one of the most memorable nights in Catalonia. It marks the start of summer with firecrackers, bonfires, and lively street parties.

However, amid the celebration, some of the biggest sufferers are often overlooked: cats and dogs.

According to the Council of Veterinary Colleges of Catalonia, between 25% and 50% of pets are afraid of firecrackers and experience significant stress that night.

Animals are more sensitive to sound than humans are. Dogs can hear frequencies between 10,000 and 50,000 hertz (Hz), while human hearing typically ranges from 16,000 to 20,000 Hz.

Cats, with their even more acute hearing, are particularly vulnerable. This makes them especially sensitive to loud noises, such as firecrackers, especially when the noise continues for hours.

How to tell if your pet fears firecrackers

Many pet owners may already know how their animals react during Sant Joan, but if this is your first time experiencing the holiday in Catalonia, it might be hard to predict.

The president of the CCVC, Verónica Araunabeña, explains that fear of fireworks isn't linked to any specific age or breed.

"It’s a completely individual factor. There are many possible causes for this fear, one of them could be a lack of socialization," she tells Catalan News.

Araunabeña explains that dogs and cats often show fear of fireworks through signs such as trembling, a defensive posture (tail between legs, ears down, and avoiding eye contact), or hiding.

In many cases, they may even try to escape. In fact, Sant Joan is the night with the highest number of pet escapes in Catalonia.

Other symptoms of fear include excessive meowing or barking, rapid breathing, tachycardia, or even involuntary urination and defecation.

"The symptoms can range from mild to severe. In very large animals, it can even lead to syncope or shock," Araunabeña adds. 

Tips to protect your pets during Sant Joan

The Council of Veterinary Colleges of Catalonia offers these recommendations to help protect pets during Sant Joan:

Keep them indoors: Make sure pets stay inside, ideally in a quiet and well-insulated area of your home to reduce noise exposure.

Close windows and doors: Soundproof your home as much as possible to minimize the noise of firecrackers.

Create a safe zone: Set up a cozy space where your pet feels secure. Include their favorite toys, blankets, or bed.

Play music or turn on the TV: Background noise can help mask the sound of firecrackers. Music has been shown to help many animals feel more relaxed.

Tire them out before nightfall: To reduce nighttime anxiety through fatigue, take your dog on a long walk or play with your pet during the day before the firecrackers start.

Don't leave them alone: If possible, stay with your pet. Your presence can provide comfort and help them feel more secure.

Don't scold them: If they’re frightened and react by barking, hiding, or having an accident, don’t punish them. Offer reassurance instead.

Distract them: If your pet is responsive, try distracting them with toys or games to help shift their focus away from the fireworks.

When to consult a veterinarian? 

Araunabeña recommends visiting a veterinarian, regardless of whether the animal’s fear is mild or severe.

“Depending on the type of fear the animal has, its age, characteristics, and how it breathes, the veterinarian will determine the best course of action,” she explains.

A vet may prescribe calming treatments or anxiolytics to help the animal cope.

However, Araunabeña explains that while some medications are mild and have no side effects, others require close monitoring, which is why supervision by a veterinarian is essential.

Araunabeña also warns against self-medicating pets. “People sometimes give pets human benzodiazepines because they appear to calm them, but these drugs don’t actually address the underlying fear. This should never be done,” she emphasizes.

by@https://www.catalannews.com/life-style/item/how-to-protect-your-cats-and-dogs-during-sant-joan-fireworks