Pet owners urged to keep animals inside during fireworks

AS the New Year ushers in new beginnings, some may opt to welcome 025 with fireworks, which inevitably causes distress for pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has offered some insightful solutions on how you can calm your dog during the noisy hours.

Also read: Help the Durban SPCA care for animals this festive season

Planning ahead can help animals cope with the fireworks season.

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.

How to help cats who are afraid of fireworks

Provide hiding places in your home, such as under furniture or a quiet corner. Don’t stress your cat by trying to tempt them out. Leave them until they’re ready. Keep them inside to avoid them becoming stressed. Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside.

How to help small animals during fireworks

Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so they’re soundproofed and hidden, leaving an area for animals to look out through. Provide bedding for small animals to burrow in. Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually, so plan ahead.

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