Fireworks in the sky above the city, sparklers at a wedding, firecrackers for New Year's Eve \u2013 pyrotechnics have been as much a part of celebrations as far back as we can remember. But there's another side to that story, one that's usually discussed once a year, often with a \"ban it all\" attitude. We don't take that approach, but we will openly discuss it from every angle in the rest of this article.<\/p>\n
As a team that has been professionally involved with pyrotechnics for over 20 years, we feel it is our responsibility to share facts without exaggeration and without activism. Because knowledge does not spoil a celebration. On the contrary, it makes it better.<\/p>\n
This is a topic that concerns a great number of people. According to available research, every second dog shows pronounced fear reactions to the sound of fireworks. Trembling, panicked running, hiding, excessive drooling, inability to settle down, these are not owner exaggerations, but documented behavioural patterns.<\/p>\n
The reason is simple: dogs hear on average four times better than us, and their frequency range reaches up to 65 thousand hertz. Cats are even more sensitive as they hear up to 85 thousand hertz. What sounds like fireworks to us is closer to an explosion for animals.<\/p>\n
Here is advice that is recommended by both veterinarians and animal welfare organisations, and that really works:<\/p>\n
Move your pet to the quietest part of the flat, away from windows, before any pyrotechnics begin. Close all windows and blinds, as even this simple step significantly reduces the intensity of sound reaching inside. Play the television or music at a moderate volume, not loud enough to drown out the fireworks, but to create a constant background noise that masks sudden explosions.<\/p>\n
Be present, but don't force physical contact if the animal isn't seeking it. Your calm presence is enough support; shouting, hugging, and excessive attention can amplify, not lessen, fear. If you have a dog, tire them out during the day with a long walk or play. A tired dog will cope better with a stressful evening.<\/p>\n
Two things that should absolutely not be done: do not let cats out on days when gunfire is expected, and do not give animals sedatives intended for humans. Always consult a veterinarian for any medication support.<\/p>\n
We're not saying you should forego spectacular celebrations. We're saying that today there are options that offer the same, and often better, visual experience with far less impact on the environment.<\/p>\n
Sprinklers and fountains are spectacular, producing minimal noise and almost no waste. If you're looking for something more dramatic, professional special effects: dry ice, waterfall pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, and fire fountains, provide a cinematic experience without a single decibel of explosion and without particles in the air. This is precisely why they have become the first choice for weddings, coming-of-age parties and corporate events.<\/p>\n
In Germany, the town of Forchheim replaced fireworks with a drone spectacle. And in Belgrade, at the New Year's Eve celebration for 2025\/2026, we saw a combination of fireworks and 1,000 drones, a step towards the future of celebrations.<\/p>\n
If you do use traditional fireworks, do so responsibly, far from forests, bodies of water and known bird habitats. And clean up the remnants after use. That one gesture makes a big difference.<\/p>\n