Carnival is Dog Stress

Dogs have a far more sensitive hearing than humans and perceive an enormous noise level due to loud music and instruments, which means stress for them. In past carnival seasons, FOUR PAWS has highlighted that, according to the standard work 'Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine', loud noises are among the most common causes of stress in dogs. In the dense crowds, four-legged friends often lack escape and retreat spaces, further intensifying the burden, leading to insecurity.

Hidden dangers from shards to sweets for four-legged friends

Besides the auditory overload, the carnival hustle and bustle also present concrete physical risks for dogs. In dense crowds, animals can easily be accidentally stepped on, while glass shards on the ground can cause painful injuries to their paws. Particularly dangerous are candies, candy wrappers, and confetti that they could swallow. Especially sweets can contain toxic substances for dogs, others – along with packaging, ribbons, or plastic films – can get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, causing potentially life- threatening blockages. Many dogs perceive these scattered materials as play objects and may ingest them unnoticed.

Strange people who approach dogs uninvited to touch or pet them can add an additional stress factor, potentially leading to defensive reactions – with possibly severe consequences for both humans and animals.

Troublesome animal costumes

FOUR PAWS strongly warns against dressing animals in costumes or even dyeing their fur during the carnival. Such costumes restrict freedom of movement and hinder the natural body language of our furry friends, through which they communicate feelings and moods. If ears, eyes, or tails are covered by costumes, dogs lose vital means of communication – another stress factor. Skin irritation or allergic reactions from unfamiliar materials are also possible.

Yasmine Wenk, campaign coordinator for pets at FOUR PAWS Switzerland, recommends: 'Carnival is not suitable for animals – it's loud, crowded, and full of dangers. We strongly advise against taking dogs along, even at the edge or at the end of a parade. The most animal-friendly decision is to leave dogs cared for at home in a quiet, familiar environment. Costumes or involving animals in carnival activities mean additional stress and should be avoided at all costs.'

The message from FOUR PAWS is clear: Dogs do not belong at parades or in the carnival hustle but in a familiar, quiet environment. Such a decision protects animals from unnecessary stress and minimizes risks.

Even if walks or activities tempt before or after the festivities, dog owners should pay attention to their animals' needs and plan as noise- and stress-free as possible. For dogs particularly sensitive to noise, consulting a veterinarian is recommended to find appropriate protective and relaxation measures.

Media contact:
Chantal Häberling
Communication Switzerland
FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zurich
Phone: +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: VIER PFOTEN | Clemens Schneider / Photographer: VIER PFOTEN | Clemens Schneider