JSPCA warns people about how fireworks harm animals

Fireworks can harm animals in many ways, affecting far more animals than just those who live with humans.

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.

Physical damage to the hearing organs of animals

The hearing of many animals is much more sensitive than it is in humans, so the explosions of fireworks are not only more disturbing to them, but they can damage their hearing more severely.

Fireworks can emit sounds of up to 190 decibels (110 to 115 decibels above the range of 75 to 80 decibels where the damage to the human ear begins).

Fireworks generate a higher noise level than firecrackers, gunshots (140 decibels) and some jet planes (100 decibels).

Noises caused by fireworks and firecrackers can lead to loss of hearing and tinnitus. Dogs are known to suffer irreversible hearing loss caused by proximity to the noise of gunfire.

Why are dogs and cats afraid of fireworks?

There are many reasons animals are afraid of fireworks (and thunder), and most fireworks make a loud sound.
Animals have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming.

Fireworks are unexpected

You may expect fireworks on November 4 or 5 and New Year’s Eve, but to your animals, it’s just another day.

Those firecrackers come without warning.

The loud noises and flashing lights sound and look different each time. In addition, they come at different intervals, so dogs can’t get used to them.

Fireworks pose a threat

The noise and unpredictability of fireworks lead many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide.

They may show other signs of anxiety, as well, such as restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.

Fireworks make dogs feel trapped

If the noises trigger your dog’s and cat’s flight response, they will try to run from the threat.

How to calm dogs and cats 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 TV to mask the firework sounds.

• Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control.

• Create some hiding places around your home.

• Most importantly, ensure pets are wearing collars and identification tags or microchips so it becomes easier to find them if they run away.

Why is identification important?

‘My dog will never go missing’ is something many people say. Yet so many animals end up at shelters year after year, and if we are lucky, half might get owner-claimed.

Identification is so important and making sure your relevant details is registered with the microchip supplier is so important. By microchipping your pet, you are putting permanent identification on your animal. Collars and tags might fall off and the pet ends up at a vet or SPCA with no identification.

By simply implanting a microchip we can scan the animals and your details will pop up. The animal does not feel any pain or discomfort, they don’t even know it is there.

Microchips are available at any vet and SPCA and take less than five minutes to implant. This could be your pet’s lifeline to get back home should they manage to leave your property.

The JSPCA sells Calmeze tablets at R200 for a box of 30 tablets and a 250ml liquid bottle for R250. A 50ml Calmeze gel is also available for cats at R250.

Visit their shop at 5 Benray Road, Reuven, or send an email to pr@jhbspca.co.za for more information.

Calmeze is a natural stimulant and has no side effects. They are ideal for fireworks, heavy weather or travelling.

Help your pet to relax and bring their anxiety levels right down. These tablets are highly recommended for any pet that suffers from stress or anxiety.

Cats

Are cats afraid of fireworks?

If you have a cat, you might notice that cats and loud noises aren’t particularly compatible.

Cats have super sensitive hearing, meaning they hear things humans do but a lot louder. They have one of the widest ranges of hearing in mammals. It’s why your cat might notice an arrival at the door before you do, or pick up on another cat’s presence in the neighbourhood.

For cats, bonfire night is not only a noisy and unwelcome celebration – it is a highly unpredictable time. As creatures of habit, loud bangs and flashes of light take them by surprise, which makes them fearful.

How will I know if my cat is stressed due to fireworks?

Fireworks affect cats differently from how they affect dogs. While dogs may show clear signs of distress, it can be more difficult to identify the signs in cats.

Some cats will do all they can to hide their fear of fireworks, while others will show much more obvious signs, such as dilated pupils, hissing or low grumbling or withdrawing from you.

When cats are scared, they’re also likely to arch their back and crouch, pin their ears back and make slow low movements.

The best thing to do is keep an eye on whether your cat’s behaviour changes and if so, it could be a sign they are afraid of fireworks.

How to comfort a scared cat during fireworks?

Make sure your cat can’t harm himself should he become scared. Even the most placid of cats can occasionally bolt for cover. Also, make sure they aren’t confined to one room.

Keep them indoors on the night of the fireworks and block off cat flaps so they can’t escape. Also, avoid leaving home alone.

Keep out flashes by trying to keep your cat somewhere with no windows or by blacking out the windows.

Allow access to their favourite ‘safe place’, and try to avoid constantly checking on them if they have chosen to hide there.

Drown out the noise as best as possible by providing background noise from a TV or radio.

Acting normal is more beneficial than overly reassuring your cat. If you act worried, then your cat may think they should be worried too. Also, don’t shout at your cat if he’s destructive as a result of distress, this will only upset him more.

Provide an indoor litter tray in a convenient location. If cats are very anxious, they may avoid visiting the toilet if they feel threatened or scared.

Small animals

• Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to lookout.

• Provide bedding small animals can burrow in.

• Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually so plan ahead.

Contact the JSPCA on 011 681 3600 or 083 604 1172 for any emergencies.