How to keep your animals safe during the festive season
The RandWest SPCA offers a few tips on how you can keep your pets and livestock safe during the coming holidays.
The RandWest SPCA shared safety tips for pet owners during the festive season.
SPCA manager René van Straten emphasised that the same rules for pet safety apply year-round: Keep pets indoors to prevent poisoning, check your yard for potential hazards, and ensure gates are closed to stop pets from wandering into the street.
She advised against giving pets as Christmas gifts, noting many people don’t fully understand the responsibility. A cute puppy, for example, requires training, and care, and incurs vet bills, which often become overwhelming.
“We prefer people choose to adopt, taking on the responsibility willingly,” Van Straten said.
Fireworks are a major concern due to pets’ sensitive hearing. The noise impacts not only domestic pets but also wildlife like birds, livestock, and horses, which can be particularly traumatised.
To keep pets calm during fireworks, Van Straten suggested using sedatives from a vet, keeping pets indoors in a quiet room, playing soft music and avoiding fireworks altogether.
“Don’t light fireworks. They affect animals and people. Instead, use sparklers, lanterns, or candles to enjoy pretty lights without causing trauma,” she concluded.
