THE Amanzimtoti SPCA urges pet owners to keep their animals safe and secure, especially during the festive season.

The SPCA’s Michelle Hannan said, “With the festive season fast approaching, we know that on many occasions, people will be celebrating with fireworks. This can be detrimental not only to our domestic animals, but to humans, wildlife and the environment.”

Also read: How to keep your pets calm during fireworks displays

She said as animals had more sensitive hearing than humans, people should make sure pets were kept inside with either the radio or television on.

Hannan provided the following information about the dangers of fireworks and its possible effect on animals:

• Noises caused by fireworks and firecrackers can lead to loss of hearing and tinnitus. Dogs are known to suffer irreversible hearing loss caused by proximity to the noise.
• Animals can become very stressed and hurt or even kill themselves trying to get away from a noise they cannot understand. Lots of animals have also run away and been lost when left outside unsupervised. Make sure your animals have visible tags with your contact numbers on their collars and make sure they are microchipped.
• If you are planning on going out or away during the festive season, make sure you have someone responsible at home taking care of your animals. Alternatively, board your animals at your local SPCA.
• Calming tablets can be bought in advance from vets and SPCAs to help animals who get anxious when there are loud noises. A good indication that your animal will be fearful of fireworks, is if they are scared of lightning and thunder. It is not only dogs that fear loud noises; cats, birds and other animals can be equally affected.
• Ensure your pets have ample opportunity to relieve themselves before the fireworks begin. This reduces the need to take them outside while fireworks are exploding all around them.
• Tiring your pet out during the day can help them relax more easily once the noise begins. Enjoy a long walk, hike, or some playtime in the yard before the sparks begin to fly.

For more information, or to find out about the Amanzimtoti SPCA’s boarding facilities, call 031 904 2424.

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