How to look after pets during fireworks

Hi, people! How are you? I had problems with my internet connection, that’s why I couldn’t post anything these past days.  In this post, I want to talk about something that is really important. Christmas is a great time to be with the family, and have a good time. The problem is that many people forget that pets are also part of the family. Why am I saying this? Many pets find fireworks very scary. So, before Christmas and New Year's Eve roll around, let’s talk about what we can do to help our furry friends.

Let me tell you that I hate fireworks. I know many people find fireworks entertaining. But when I think about how much pets, and many people, suffer because of them, I simply don’t understand why they are used.

First of all, you always have to talk with your vet, in order to see which options are suitable for your pet.

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says that in order to calm your dogs during fireworks you should:

• Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off
• Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks
• Put on some music or tv to mask the firework sounds
• Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control
• Create some hiding places around your home

Blue Cross also says:

• Stay calm, act normally and give lots of praise for calm behaviour. It’s OK to cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps them relax, but if they prefer to hide under your bed, then let them do this instead.
• Avoid leaving your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find they have been destructive or toileted after being left on its own. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed.
• Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, ie outside a shop while you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in your car.
• Never take your dog to a fireworks display. Even if they doesn’t bark or whimper at the noise, it doesn’t mean they are happy. Excessive panting and yawning can indicate that your dog is stressed.

Cats

• Provide hiding places in your home
• Cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks
• Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside

Small animals

• Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
• Provide bedding small animals can burrow in
• Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually so plan ahead.

According to Purina, these are the things you should know about your pets:

Your  dog has keen senses that make fireworks a more intense experience. Your dog’s acute hearing makes him more sensitive to the sounds of fireworks than you are. “Fireworks also produce an odor that dogs may be sensitive to,” McGowan said.

During fireworks, your dog experiences the same kind of startled response you do when you’re surprised by a loud noise. This may mean an increase in heart rate, a rush of adrenaline, and an increase in stress hormones circulating through the body.

For your dog, fireworks aren’t the same experience as a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms come with a lot of warning signs, like changes in barometric pressure and high winds, so dogs anticipate them. Since fireworks are sudden and occur less frequently than thunderstorms, dogs might be more intimidated by them.

So, in this holiday season try to take care of your pets, and have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

Link

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks