According to the online store Pet Hero, SA is a religiously diverse country that celebrates many traditions throughout the year.

Some of these celebrations include nighttime fireworks, with bright flashes and loud noises that can be frightening for most pets. Many animals panic as soon as the first spark lights up the sky.

To help keep pets safe and calm during fireworks, Pet Hero shares these dos and don’ts:

• Do be prepared: Pet owners should know on which days their community will celebrate with fireworks. Knowing these dates allows someone to be home to comfort and supervise the animals.

• ID your pet: Should a pet become lost amid the commotion of holiday gatherings, proper identification is essential. Pets should wear up-to-date ID collars or tags, and microchipping is strongly recommended. Even if escape seems unlikely, it is always best to prepare for the unexpected.

• Keep party and braai foods out of reach: Pets should be fed their normal diet during any celebrations. Keep toxic foods, such as chocolate, coffee, onions, grapes, raisins and bread dough, away from pets. When in doubt about a food item, it is safer to avoid giving it to pets altogether.

• Keep alcoholic drinks away from pets: Beer, wine and liquor can poison animals. Depending on the amount ingested, a pet may become severely intoxicated, weak or depressed, and could even slip into a coma. Severe alcohol poisoning can lead to respiratory failure and death, making strict supervision vital.

• Don’t force pets into costumes: Unless an animal clearly enjoys dressing up, avoid costumes. Any clothing must fit comfortably, be loose enough for easy movement and not cause stress.

• Don’t take pets to firework displays: Pets and fireworks are a dangerous combination. Even animals that seem excited rather than afraid can get into trouble. Pets can swallow unexploded firecrackers, and their fur is highly flammable. Keeping them far from fireworks is the safest choice.

• Keep matches and lighter fluid out of reach: Some matches contain chlorate, which can damage blood cells, impair breathing and cause kidney issues. Lighter fluid can irritate the skin and, if swallowed, cause gastrointestinal upset and nervous system depression. Inhalation may lead to breathing difficulties or aspiration pneumonia (when oral or gastric contents are aspirated into the lungs).

• Create a safe space: For pets that become very anxious, a comfortable and secure room can make a big difference. Playing soothing music can help mask the sound of fireworks and reduce stress.

With thoughtful planning and simple precautions, pet owners can prevent many firework-related problems. This preparation allows families to relax and enjoy cultural celebrations without worrying about their pets’ health and safety.