PICTURE: PEXELS/ DOG
On New Year’s Eve, it has become a norm for people to celebrate the new chapter with fireworks going into the New Year.
However, this celebration causes anxiety and distress to pets and their owners, with some of them panicking and running away from their homes, due to a terror caused by the loud sound of fireworks. For dogs, the common signs are ears back, excessive panting, drooling, shaking, hiding away, barking excessively, and messing in the house according to Vets for Pets.
Here are tips to help your pets ahead of fireworks:
- Create a safe den– The above-mentioned source suggests that you can help by making your dog a safe haven or a dog den. “If your dog has a hiding place then this space can be further improved by making it as snug and secure for your dogs as possible, for example by adding blankets or their favourite toys. However, if you are making your dog den from scratch, try to do this a few weeks in advance before firework season begins, so that your dog has time to understand that it is a safe place to go to when fireworks start,” noted the source.
- Ensure they’re microchipped– The above-mentioned source states that, this increases the chances of your dog being returned to you in case they get spooked and run off during fireworks. Also ensure your dog has a collar and a tag on, with contact details clearly displayed.
- Walk them during daylight hours– According to Vets for Pets, it’s a good idea to walk your dog early in the evening or during the daylight hours when it is still light outside.
Here are the tips to help your pets during fireworks:
- Close all windows– According to World Animal Protection, you must ensure to close windows and draw the curtains to muffle the sound from outside. This will also block out the flashing lights.
- Turn on the TV– The above-mentioned source also suggests that you play the TV and radio to mask the sounds. “Gradually increase the volume during the day, but not so loud that it would upset your pet.”
- Keep your pets indoors– World Animal Protection advises that you ensure to keep the pets inside the house, before the fireworks start.
- Safe space– Give cats and dogs plenty of space to hide states the source.
Also see: Is your kid terrified of Santa Claus? Here’s how to make them feel at ease | Bona Magazine
