The annual celebrations during the year-end festivities often bring about spectacular fireworks displays, but behind the colorful explosions lies significant distress for countless animals and individuals with autism. While many revelers enjoy the display, the loud noises have been proven to cause panic, anxiety, and even physical harm among those sensitive to sound.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, are particularly affected due to their acute sense of hearing. The thunderous booms and crackling noises can trigger fear responses, leading pets to flee, injure themselves, or suffer anxiety attacks. A local veterinarian highlighted, "Os cães, por exemplo, interpretam o som dos fogos como uma ameaça. Isso os coloca em um estado de alerta extremo, o que pode levar a traumas permanentes." This sentiment resonates with pet owners who find themselves grappling with the fear and stress their furry companions experience each year.
But it's not just animals who suffer. Individuals on the autism spectrum face their own unique challenges during these celebrations. Many experience heightened sensory awareness, making loud and sudden noises particularly jarring. Carolina Ribeiro, a psychologist specializing in neurodevelopment, stated, "Para muitos autistas, o som dos fogos não é apenas alto, é avassalador. Pode desencadear crises que duram horas e deixam sequelas emocionais." This means the festive season can quickly turn from joy to distress for some households, especially those with members sensitive to sound.
Legislation aimed at curbing the use of loud fireworks has begun to emerge across various Brazilian cities. For example, Rio das Pedras has implemented the Lei Municipal nº 3.014/2018, which seeks to limit the noise created by pyrotechnics. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Enforcement has been weak, making it difficult for these laws to have the desired effect. Many advocates stress the need for comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the adverse effects fireworks have on both animals and humans.
Pet owners facing the impending stress of fireworks often feel at a loss about how to protect their pets during this season. Fortunately, experts have provided valuable tips to help meliorate the effects of noise. They advise creating a safe space within the household—a quiet area with dim lighting and comforting items where pets can retreat during fireworks displays.
Additional steps include distracting pets with soft background music or television noise to help minimize the intensity of the fireworks. "O uso responsável de fogos de artifício pode garantir que as celebrações de fim de ano sejam inclusivas, seguras e respeitosas para todos — humanos e animais," advocates suggest, highlighting the importance of collective action for change.
Another practical solution is closing off windows and curtains prior to fireworks starting to limit not only the sound but also the blinding flashes. Keeping animals indoors and supervising them during fireworks can help ease anxiety levels. Surprisingly, even placing cotton balls gently within pets' ears may assist them with overwhelming sound levels, providing yet another tool for wary pet owners.
For animals experiencing extreme fear or distress, consulting with veterinarians for possible calming medications may be warranted. Such measures not only protect the physical wellbeing of pets but also promote emotional stability during potentially traumatic events.
The responsibility lies with all of us to advocate for kinder, quieter celebrations. By making adjustments to our fireworks practices and promoting laws and solutions beneficial to sensitive populations, we can create celebrations characterized by joy and respect, rather than fear and distress.
To enjoy the beauty of fireworks without the damaging consequences, both people and animals must be considered. With thoughtful actions and societal commitment, it is possible to strike a balance where celebrations bring joy to all, without the shadows of anxiety and distress looming over the festivities.