The festive season rings in joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, but for many pets, it means fear and bewilderment, leading to heartbreaking consequences. With fireworks lighting up the sky during Christmas and New Year, reports of lost dogs and cats surge by as much as 70 percent, underscoring the toll of holiday festivities on our furry companions.
Esmeralda Cerda Pizano, president of Generando Hogares de Amor para Animales Desprotegidos (GHAPAD), sheds light on this alarming trend. During Christmas 2023, the organization received 170 reports of lost dogs and 40 reports of lost cats. Tragically, they also recorded 15 fatalities from heart attacks, attributed directly to the panic induced by the explosive noises. "The deafening noise makes them run desperately, trying to escape something they don’t understand," explains Cerda Pizano, who has witnessed the madness firsthand.
The sensitivity of canine and feline hearing is far greater than humans can comprehend. These pets can hear frequencies up to four times higher than humans, making the cracks and booms of fireworks unbearable. A vivid case involved a dog who succumbed to stress during last year's celebrations. “She couldn’t bear the terror,” lamented Cerda Pizano, recalling the moment the frightened animal died in her arms.
But it’s not just animals suffering. The fireworks also adversely affect children with disabilities, the elderly, and those with sensory sensitivities, creating widespread distress across various segments of the population. It begs the question: Are we considering the effects of our celebrations on all beings, not just ourselves?
For pet owners, the advice is clear. During firework displays, it’s imperative to secure pets inside, away from the noise and chaos. Providing them with food and water, as well as comfortable bedding, can help create a safe haven. Consulting with veterinarians for medications to mitigate anxiety can also be fruitful. Cerda Pizano emphasizes the need for professional guidance, stating, “The passionflower is effective for calming dogs and cats amid the fireworks. But only vets should prescribe it, considering the pet's weight, size, and age to avoid complications.”
Promoting awareness about these preventative measures could result not only in fewer lost pets but also more informed pet owners who recognize the sensitivity of their companions. The heartbreak of loss could potentially be mitigated with appropriate planning and care during the celebratory season.
With the rising reports of lost pets correlatively tied to the cannonades of fireworks, the urgency to raise awareness cannot be underscored enough. The question remains: How can society balance tradition with compassion for our pets? If this alarming trend continues without intervention, the toll could grow heavier each year, with families left searching for beloved companions, who are driven away not by their own will, but by the impacts of sudden, overwhelming fear.
The call to action extends beyond simply securing pets. Animal rights advocates like Cerda Pizano implore individuals to be considerate during their celebrations. It is within our power to create safe spaces for our animal companions, ensuring they don’t suffer due to our revelries.
During this festive season, as fireworks illuminate the sky, let’s also illuminate compassion. Secure your pets, be mindful of their needs, and avoid causing terror. After all, their peace of mind during this celebratory time rests heavily on our shoulders.
