Happy New Year - Pets and Fireworks don't mix!!

Fragrant Friends

Newsletter NEW YEAR 2009 / 2010

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HAPPY NEW YEAR - PETS AND FIREWORKS DON’T MIX!

Advice on a Happy New Year for pets, from our Animal Care Expert

Firework displays on New Years Eve are now a common occurrence throughout the world. Unfortunately the excitement and wonder of the spectacle you and your family experience is not always shared by your four legged family members.

Apart from the physical injuries fireworks can cause (burns, deafness, and blindness), the sights and sounds of fireworks can be terrifying for your pets. Dogs can become so stressed that they may quiver uncontrollably and drool excessively, often howling and looking for a place to escape to.

House trained dogs may urinate and defecate in the home and it has been known for dogs to injure themselves whilst trying to escape as well as becoming involved in road traffic accidents whilst on the run. Special precautions need to be taken to ensure that your pets stay stress free and safe during the celebrations.

Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day and or early evening; this may encourage him/her to sleep later during the celebrations.

Your pet should be kept indoors in a secure room with the blinds and curtains closed. Background noise will act as a distraction and block out the sound of fireworks (TV, Radio etc). If you are staying in during the evening, then offer distractions yourself by playing games or practicing training techniques.

Many pets will opt to hide under furniture or in corners, don’t disturb them, this often makes them feel safer and more secure.

If you know that your pet reacts to certain events by hiding, then you can create a sanctuary which he or she can retreat to. Use items such as cardboard boxes placed on their side or a training crate covered with a towel or blanket, which will act as an acoustic barrier. They should be situated in an area well away from the main flow of traffic, this will allow your pet to remain there undisturbed and adding a favourite bed or blanket will make it comfortable and far more familiar.

Ensure that your pet is wearing identification, whether micro-chipped or not. Many dogs are so fearful of fireworks; they look for an escape route and run. Your dog needs to be easily identifiable in order for you to be reunited as quickly as possible.

It might be worth speaking to neighbours and finding out when they intend to start their celebrations giving you time to prepare.

Don’t forget to clean up any used and discarded fireworks after the event. For your pet, ingesting an unlit firework is quite dangerous and in some cases, lethal. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, contact your vet immediately.

REMEMBER
Never leave your pet outdoors during firework celebrations and always keep fireworks in a safe place out of your pets reach.

Stay safe and have fun.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year

Julie Jackson-Corney AMACC
Fragrant Friends

Read the December Newsletter for advice on Protecting your Pets during the Winter Months