Do fireworks affect animals?
Liana Marx, public relations and marketing for Johannesburg SPCA said fireworks can harm animals in many ways, affecting far more animals than just those who live with humans as pets.
“The noise, lights, sparks, flames and fumes can cause psychological and physical harm. Severe stress responses have also been observed in cats, birds, and other animals living in urban areas,” she explained.
How to calm dogs during fireworks:
• 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 the TV to mask the firework sounds.
• Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control.
• Create some hiding places around your home.
How to calm cats during fireworks:
• Provide hiding places in your home.
• Cats can become more stressed if they are outside during fireworks so keep them inside.
• Microchip your cats in case they are startled and escape.
JSPCA sells Calmeze tablets at R275 for a box of 30 tablets and a 250ml liquid bottle for R360. A 50ml Calmeze gel is also available for cats at R330. These are available at their shop at 5 Benray Road, Reuven, or send an email to pr@jhbspca.co.za for more information.
In case you can’t keep your pet
If you can no longer keep your pet, please contact JSPCA on 011 681 3600 or 083 604 1172 to arrange collection and do not abandon them or turf them out into the streets.
If your home circumstances have changed and you can no longer afford to look after your pet, please contact JSPCA or a shelter for assistance.
“These pets won’t know what they did wrong and may end up being knocked down by cars, attacked by other dogs or sometimes injured by people,” Marx said.
