FIREWORKS – Do not be caught unprepared

The Animal Ant-Cruelty League has urged residents to not be caught unprepared for this year’s fireworks.

Residents with animals should put together a contingency plan to minimise the level of trauma likely to affect the family pets as a result of forthcoming celebrations, which undoubtedly, will include fireworks.

Dates to note are Guy Fawkes, celebrated on November 5, Diwali celebrated for five days from November 11, Christmas Day celebrated on December 25 and New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31.

Ask your vet well ahead of time for a recommended product that will help to calm and pacify your pet during the festivities.

Tranquilisers may be prescribed in a tablet form or syrup, but care needs to be taken with older pets and certain breeds.

Homeopathic products are available, as well as herbal remedies, although herbal remedies do differ from homeopathic products in the method, preparation and mode of action.

Pheromones are naturally occurring chemicals that animals release in certain situations.

In dogs, they mimic the mother dog’s pheromones which she produces to calm her puppies.

Wall diffusers, sprays and collars impregnated with pheromones are becoming more widely used.

Advice for pet owners

•  Try to remain at home during these times.
•  Ensure pets are securely locked away in a place where they are comfortable.
•  Ensure they are wearing collars and discs, have microchips and that the details are up-to-date.
•  Close the curtains and play background music to help mask the unusual noises.
•  Try to remain calm and do not show fear yourself when the crackers go off.
•  Medication must be administered correctly and in sufficient time (usually a week in advance for supplements) in order for the animal to derive the full benefit.

What to do if you come across a stray companion animal

Here are some suggestions for the pet’s safety and hopefully, a happy reunion with its owner:

Safety and caution foremost, as a frightened, sick or injured animal may behave unpredictably. Lost animals can be frightened and bite unexpectedly.

Many cats are feral (wild) and won’t allow you to touch them. Making a sudden move or chasing a lost animal may cause more harm than good and the animal may even run into traffic or further away.

What to do:

•  Try to keep the animal as calm as possible.
•  If at all possible, remove the animal out of harm’s way.
•  If during working hours, call the AACL immediately on 011 435-0672 and report the injured animal to the Inspectorate Department.
•  Determine if an inspector is available to help and approximately how long it will take before help arrives
•  It is important to save the closest after-hours Emergency Veterinary Clinic’s numbers on your phone

Know the laws that regulate fireworks:

The discharge of fireworks on a person’s private property is governed by local bylaws. Ensure that you check your local municipal bylaws and find out whether there have been any amendments. All cruelty to animals must be reported to your nearest animal welfare organisation as soon as possible.