12/06/2025
It's Feria in Frigiliana this weekend and everyone will be celebrating! However there are a few things to remember about keeping pets safe. There will be lots of loud noise, music and fireworks which can be very frightening for our pets.
💥4 Reasons Dogs are Scared of fireworks 💥
❌They’re Loud💥
Most fireworks make some kind of loud sound. Dogs have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming.
❌They’re Unpredictable⚠️
When we have events like Feria, we expect lots of loud music and fireworks, but for your dog, it’s just another day. Fireworks come without warning. The loud noises and flashing lights sound and look different each time. Plus, they come at different intervals, so dogs can’t get used to them.
❌They Pose a Threat⁉️
The noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. He may show other signs of anxiety, too, like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.
🆘Fireworks Make Dogs Feel Trapped
Fireworks are inescapable so if the noises trigger your dog’s flight response, he will try to run from the threat. Unfortunately, there’s often nowhere to go, as you can still hear those loud booms indoors.
Tips to Keep your Dog Safe During Feria
1. Even if your dog spends most of his time outdoors, bring him inside during fireworks. This will prevent him from running away when he feels scared, which can put him in danger.
2. Don't take your dog into large and noisy crowds where they might feel threatened or uncomfortable. Stress can affect dogs just like humans. Feria is a celebration for people to enjoy - it's not a happy place for dogs.
3. Make sure your dog has a collar and tag with your contact details, and that your microchip information is up to date. Should your dog run away, it's vital that you can be contacted and your dog can be returned to you quickly.
4. Create a Safe Space: If your dog is crate-trained, make his crate available, as that’s probably already a safe space for him. If not, put him in a bathroom or other small room with music or white noise to help drown out the boom of fireworks. Bringing his bed, blankets and toys into the room can make him feel more comfortable.
5. Close the shutters or curtains and turn the TV up, or play some calming music. Amazon Music and YouTube have hours and hours of music specially designed to help dogs relax and be calm. Just ask Alexa!
6. Make sure your home and garden are as escape-proof as possible. If possible, make sure your dog doesn’t have access to doors that lead outside, especially when people are coming in or out of the house. Secure any escape routes in your garden.
🎉Have a great Feria! (But leave your dog at home!)
