Help your pet during Diwali fireworks

Where does this leave your animals?

Animals are highly sensitive to noise – sounds from fireworks are at least five times louder for them than humans.

With firework displays, unlike thunderstorms, noises are closer to the ground, more vibrant and are accompanied by sudden bangs, flashes and burning smells.

Animals are naturally afraid of unfamiliar or loud sounds, triggering their nervous system and making them anxious and afraid.

Pets such as dogs and cats, have a natural instinct to seek shelter as a means of survival.

In some cases, they will attempt to escape from the property to feel safe, resulting in the animals getting lost or having a fatal accident on the road.

Keep your pet calm during fireworks – here’s how:

Read: Fireworks vs Rules and Regulations

• Be home for your pet.

If you know fireworks are imminent, stay home to take care of your pets.

• Take your dog walking or make sure it gets a lot of exercise during the day.

This will result in the dog being tired during the evening.

• Keep your pets inside the house during fireworks.

Provide a safe place inside where your dogs can retreat when they are scared.

• Keep all the windows, curtains and doors closed during this time.

This will slightly mute the sounds from outside.

• Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag on its dog collar; in case they escape.

Rather safe than sorry, when the worst happens, you will be able to locate your pet.

• Give your pet something that will keep it busy.

Such as a dog ice block, delicious chew toy or treat.

• Play calm music softly in the background.

This will relax the animal and subdue outside noise.

• Reassure your dog that everything is fine by calmly talking to it and stroking it.

Animals need reassurance from their owners, knowing that they are safe.

• If you know that your animal has a tendency to become stressed, consult a vet on calming supplements, sedatives or tranquilisers that are available.

• Put familiar and comforting things around them such as pet toys, dog beds or baskets.

The more at home your pet feels, the more comfortable they’ll be.

• Never punish pets when they’re scared, as this will only make things worse in the long run.

If you scold your pet when they are anxious, it could make matters worse.

• Keep dogs away from windows; some frightened dogs have hurt themselves jumping through glass.

• A nutritious meal around nightfall is recommended.

This will make them more likely to be sleepier and paired with the exercise, they should be exhausted.

Read: Alternatives to fireworks