Is the word pelos the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "pelos" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of meaning, grammar, and spelling. It serves two primary functions: as the plural of the noun pelo (hair or fur) and as the contraction of the preposition por with the masculine plural article os (meaning "by the," "through the," or "via the"). The only difference is pronunciation:

• Vowels: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open, whereas in Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often more closed or even reduced.
• Sibilance: In most regions of Brazil, the "s" at the end of "pelos" is pronounced as a soft "s" or "z" sound; in Portugal, it is typically pronounced as a "sh" sound ([ʃ]).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os pelos do cachorro estão caindo. (The dog's hair is falling out.)
2. Nós passamos pelos caminhos da floresta. (We passed through the forest paths.)
3. Ele é conhecido pelos seus livros. (He is known by/for his books.)
4. A luz entra pelos vidros da janela. (The light enters through the window panes.)
5. Ele foi aprovado pelos professores. (He was approved by the teachers.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os pelos do cão estão a cair. (The dog's hair is falling out.)
2. Nós passámos pelos caminhos da floresta. (We passed through the forest paths.)
3. Ele é conhecido pelos seus livros. (He is known by/for his books.)
4. A luz entra pelos vidros da janela. (The light enters through the window panes.)
5. Ele foi aprovado pelos professores. (He was approved by the teachers.)