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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Goodbye firecrackers, hello happy pets

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Thousands of pets suffer every New Year’s eve due to the loud noise and the smoke or fumes that come from firecrackers.

Some dogs and cats  even run away from home  out of fear and go missing  for  days. Worse, some dogs never find their way back home.

“Animals have very acute hearing. Loud bangs and whistles may cause them actual pain in their ears. But by following these simple guidelines your pet need not suffer, Blue Cross for pets says.

Rescued  dogs Henry and Sophie roaming and playing in the garden.  Tire your dogs  out during the day so that by night, they might just go to sleep or  will barely notice the  noise from firecrackers.

Tips to help your pet during New Year’s eve:

1.Always keep dogs and cats inside the house or an outhouse familiar to them.

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2.  Walk your dog earlier in the day before the fireworks start.

3.  Close all windows and doors (even the garage door), to keep noise to a minimum  and to stop your pet from “escaping.”

4.  Draw the curtains. Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), an animal welfare group, wet the curtains with water to absorb the fumes so that the fumes will not get inside the house.

5.  If the animals like the sound of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loud) to block out some of the noise from firecrackers.  Save ALL uses calming music like baby songs and  soft instrumental music to calm the  dogs and cats.

6.  Put  some form of  readable  identification on your dog or cat , complete with the name of the contact person and the contact number. Put a collar and tag on your pet

7.  Put your pet in a place where it can feel safe and comfortable. Some pets hide under a bed with some of your old clothes.

8.  Allow your pet to whine, meow, pace around, and hide in a corner if he/she wants to. Do not disturb your pet as he/she is just trying to release the stress and looking for a safe place.

9.  Owners, please stay calm. Act normal. Praise your pet for his/her calm behavior. Cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps him or her relax.

10. Avoid leaving your pet alone during  this upsetting time. If you have to leave, do not get mad with your pet if he/she  was destructive or pooped or urinated in a place that is not allowed during normal days. “Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed,” Blue Cross says.

11. Never tie a dog outside while fireworks are being let off.

12. Never bring a dog to a fireworks display. He or she may not bark or whimper  but this does not mean  he/she is happy.

13. Your dog is stressed if you notice him or her  panting excessively and yawning,

More tips to keep pets calm

1. PetMD  stresses that  physical work-up like walking or exercising your dogs will keep them  calmer when the fireworks start.  Bring them to a park early in the day and let them play with other dogs.

“If you have a cat, plan out your day to spend time with feather wands and laser pointing toys. Keep your cat moving for as long as you can before the evening’s revelry begins,” PetMD says

“Hopefully, when the noise starts, your pet will be too tired to get very stressed out by it, “ add PetMD .

Sunny, a rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), loves to play with his Spongebob stuff toy. Give toys to your pets when the fireworks start to distract them. 

2. Some oils calm dogs, PetMD says.

“For dogs, lavender oil, which has been found to reduce car anxiety in dogs, can be helpful. Make sure the oil has the name Lavendula augustifolia or Lavendula officinalis. It can be used either on the skin or by letting your dog smell it. Try spraying the lavender oil on your dog’s favorite blanket, “  PetMD says.

Again, please make sure the oil is prepared in such a way that it is safe to out on your pet’s skin. Please ask your vet. There are  synthetic oils which are a no-no to pets.

To be safe, spray the  lavender oil on the curtains or areas  that can not be reached by your pet.

There are calming sprays for cats too which can be used as a plug-in room diffuser or  as a spray. Please ask your vet.

3. Toys and games can distract  your pet.

“Give your dog or cat some food puzzles to play with during the time when there will be a lot of noise, or get a few new toys for him to play with, “  PetMD says

“If you have a cat, try spritzing catnip spray on the new toy to keep him interested, “ PetMD adds.

For dogs, give them their favorite food or treat, their “ comfort food.”

Seek advice from your vet

Blue Cross advises that “all pet owners seek veterinary help for their animal six to 12 weeks before the firework season begins. Behavioural advice for your pet needs to be sought three to six months in advance.”

Senior dogs may need more help during this time.  Some may have a heart condition and can be more sensitive to the loud noise.

Remember too that  the fumes from firecrackers are not good for the lungs of both animals and humans. The effect is worse for pets who have smaller lungs.

Your vet will know how to help dogs with special  needs or a certain medical condition during this time. 

 

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