Keep your pets safe this fireworks season
Ensure your pets are safe and sound with these tips, issued by the Malvern SAPS.
IN the build up to the upcoming fireworks season, the Malvern SAPS released a statement to ensure your pets are safe and comfortable. According to corporate communications officer, W/O Radhika Marimuthu, while pets tend to wander off at random periods, they are susceptible to changes in the external environment that evoke fear states.
“When there are big bangs, gun shots, thunder and lightning storms, and anything with loud sound effects, the police are inundated with reports of missing and distressed pets. The onus lies on pet owners to ensure that their pets are kept indoors, in safe environments during these periods,” said W/O Marimuthu.
The following precautions can be taken to ensure your pets are comfortable in their home environments:
– Check that your pet’s ID tags and microchips are up to date. If your pet goes running off during noisy events, it is much easier to identify its ownership with these features.
– Prepare your dog for dealing with noise by exposing your pet to other sounds. Diverting noises helps to prevent a phobia of loud bangs. Keep them in a room with the TV or music on as that dulls the noisy sounds.
– Your house is your pet’s safe zone. Keep some lights on. This calms your pet and makes them feel more secure, rather than being scared in a dark room.
– Draw the curtains if your animal is in a cage, cover the cage with a thick blanket, but make sure your pet can breath. This will also help to stop the flashes of light from affecting your pet.
– Keep pets in a room where they are familiar with the setting and furniture. An inner room like an en suite that is least impacted by the noise is ideal.
– Ensure that the room is cozy. Leave familiar, clean bedding . Keep some familiar chew toys or scratch pads, to keep your pets amused and distracted.
– Remove sharp items from the room in case your pet becomes frantic and jumps or runs around.
– Keep calm as your stress can have an impact on your pet. Sensitivity to noise can increase as pets age.
– Feed your pets earlier than usual.
– Leave enough water and food for your pet. If your pet has access to water and food, it will help keep calm, and will make him feel like it’s a normal day.
– Check up on your pet timeously. If possible, stay with them for a while. Don’t over fuss, this can increase their anxiety.
– Allow your pet to hide somewhere in the room if they wish. It’s their way of coping. Dragging them out of a safe spot can increase their anxiety levels.
