Be responsible with fireworks
Durban and Coast SPCA offer tips on how to keep your pets safe during the fireworks season.
WITH Guy Fawkes and Diwali on Monday, 5 and Wednesday, 7 November respectively, city authorities are warning residents to avoid the “big bang” fireworks that usually accompany these celebrations.
Celebrating communities are urged to follow the policy put in place by the municipality and warned not to let off fireworks in sensitive spaces. Low hazard fireworks can be lit at private homes but display fireworks require special permission from SAPS. Individuals are urged to use fireworks responsibly and also keep animals in mind.
Durban and Coast SPCA offers the following advice on how to keep pets safe during the fireworks season.
Firstly, keep them indoors in a familiar room which will keep them from running away. Try select a room that will muffle the outside noise from outdoors and surround pets with familiar and comforting items. Turn on the television or play music to help drown out the noise. Stay in the room with them and act normally as pets react to their owner’s emotions, so if you are calm, they will feel calm. Give them something to do, such as a chewy bone to munch on or catnip toys for cats.
ALSO READ: It’s fireworks season – act responsibly, warns Metro, SAPS
Close the windows and curtains. Even with secure screens, a cat or small dog may be able to escape in a panic. Animals have very sensitive hearing and noses and the burning scent of fireworks can be distressing, so rather keep the windows closed and if it is hot, put a fan on in the room.
Get a herbal calming medication for your pet. This is most effective when started a week prior to the expected fireworks. They are available to purchase at your local SPCA or vet.
Make sure your pets have name tags with phone numbers and home addresses that are up to date, so that if they do run away, someone can get them back to you. If your pets are micro-chipped, make sure that the information associated with the microchip is current.
Make the SPCA your first port of call should you find a lost or stray animal or if you have lost your pet. Animals are kept at the SPCA for seven days before they are put up for adoption. If your pet has gone missing, visit your local SPCA’s within the seven day time-frame.
Contact Durban and Coast SPCA on 031 579 6500.
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