Holiday fireworks: DOH cautions on pet distress

The Korea Herald

MANILA, Philippines — As the country gears up for festive fireworks, the Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday issued a unique plea: Spare a thought for pets, which often suffer in silence during the loud holiday celebrations.

“Understanding that pets, like dogs, perceive these events differently, it’s necessary to acknowledge the potential distress they experience. The loud and unpredictable noises from fireworks can trigger a heightened fight-or-flight response in dogs, manifesting as anxiety, restlessness, and other signs of discomfort,” the DOH stated in its advisory.

The DOH offered advice on how to comfort pets during these celebrations.

“Bring your dog indoors during fireworks displays, creating a secure environment that mitigates the risk of them running away in fear; utilize a crate if your dog is crate-trained or designate a quiet room with familiar items, such as music or white noise, to provide a comforting atmosphere,” the DOH advised.

The health department also recommended using wraps or training pets to be slightly acclimated to loud noises.

“Explore the use of calming wraps, vests, or shirts, which apply gentle pressure and have been known to alleviate stress in many dogs,” the advisory continued.

The DOH added that owners could use tags to help find their pets if they run away.

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