Four tips on how to support your pet during fireworks at New Year’s Eve
Fireworks and firecrackers are threatening cats and dogs, who are afraid of the loud explosions and flashing lights
Excruciatingly loud bangs and blinding flashes from the middle of nowhere. This is how cats and dogs are experiencing fireworks, which they often perceive as threats. While most humans are enjoying the New Year’s Eve festivities, animals are terrified, some are even running away in panic, which can lead to fatal accidents and life-threatening situations on the streets.
The hearing of dogs and cats is three to four times better than that of humans. A Global animal welfare organisation calls for banning fireworks and firecrackers from the festivities and provides useful tips for pet owners, how to best support their cats and dogs.
Here are four tips on how to help your cat and dog get through the New Year’s Eve festivities:
- Socialise your dog with the noise
Dog owners can help prevent the fear of fireworks by gradually socialising their dogs with different stimuli, situations and noises when still a puppy. Also desensitising by playing fireworks noises several weeks or months ahead can help dogs to cope better. Owners can use YouTube videos, for example, and start to play the noises quietly at first and then gradually increase the volume over time.
- Go for walks when it is quiet
The Head of Companion Animal Campaigns at a Global Animal Welfare Organisation advises:
“When taking a walk around New Year’s Eve pick a time of the day and an area where it is relatively quiet, such as forests for example. Put your dogs on the leash to make sure they don’t run away. In case your dog panics easily, also a second safety leash attached to your hip can be helpful. We highly recommend to put a medallion with your phone number on your dogs, so you can be reunited in case they get lost.”
The Global Animal Welfare also strongly recommends owners of cats and dogs to microchip and register their pets, so they can be identified in the event of getting lost.
- Create a safe space at home
During fireworks dogs and cats should stay at home. To avoid that cats run off, owners should close the cat flap.
- Play, pheromones and special jackets can help reduce stress
Owners should try to keep their furry friends in a good mood by playing their favourite games for example. To overcome light stress, favourite food or treats can be given to evolve positive emotions. Also offering them their favourite treats can help to overcome light stress. Pheromones can also help to reduce stress in cats and dogs. For dogs, so-called “calming shirts”, which exert gentle pressure on the ribcage can have a soothing effect.
Information provided by the publicist
