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Pets Terrorized by Deafening Diwali Fireworks
18 Oct
Summary
- Dogs can hear 4-6 times more acutely than humans
- Firecrackers produce 190 dB, double the intensity of a gunshot
- Pets experience extreme anxiety, loss of appetite, and even partial hearing loss

As the Diwali festivities commence, veterinarians and animal welfare organizations have issued a stark warning about the darker side of the celebrations. According to their reports, pets and street animals are facing immense fear, injuries, and psychological distress due to the overwhelming noise from firecrackers.
Comparative hearing studies have revealed that dogs can hear frequencies between 45,000 and 65,000 hertz, far exceeding the human range of up to 20,000 Hz. Their auditory pain threshold is around 95 decibels (dB), but many commercial firecrackers produce sounds exceeding 190 dB, almost double the intensity of a jet engine or a gunshot. Cats and birds have similar heightened hearing sensitivity, making them especially vulnerable to the high-intensity blasts and vibrations that accompany Diwali.
Veterinary experts have warned that the prolonged exposure to these deafening sounds can lead to severe consequences for animals. "Dogs are extremely sensitive to sound and can hear noises four to six times more acutely than humans," said N. Brahanandan, a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. "Prolonged exposure can damage the vestibular region of the ear, leading to balance issues and even partial hearing loss."