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FIREWORKS ARE
NO FUN
FOR ANIMALS ! ! !
If
you have an animal who hates the sound of fire works
New Years Eve (31st December), Australia
Day (26th January),
Chinese New Year (1st February), and
local Agricultural Shows,
these are just a few events involving fireworks. These
pose a serious risk
to your animals safety, as many animals are terrified of the
sights and sounds of fireworks.
It
is sad to know that our celebrations can be a time of fear and distress for
animals,
and
it is essential that we as responsible pet owners,
know how to get our animal companions ready, before a fireworks display happens
in our area.
It
is a common occurrence with suburban fireworks displays that several animals in
the area will panic and escaped their homes.
In their panic, animals become lost and some,
will run onto the road and be killed, or severely injured by
oncoming traffic.
Information
issued by the RSPCA
If you are unable to stay home with your animal during fireworks, it would be
wise to bring
the animal indoors (if possible).
Try
to make them feel safe and comfortable in a secure room of the house.
Leave
a radio on and some of their favourite things, or some old clothes with the your
scent on them.
Make
sure you leave lots of water.
Also, take your dog out for plenty of active exercise an hour before the
fireworks start,
then home for a good filling meal.
A tired and well fed dog will be far less anxious during the night.
If you cannot bring your pets inside, the RSPCA advise considering the garage,
and try to block off any view of the fireworks.
Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead,
so never use a choker chain or slip collar to restrain your dog.
Animal behaviourists say that dogs become fearful during fireworks displays
because the sounds are extreme and unfamiliar to them.
“If the dog is not accustomed to the sights and sounds of fireworks,
it is likely that they will react in a distressed way.
In most cases owners can prevent this by desensitising the animals to the
sounds that frighten them.
Not
all pets are afraid of fireworks. Sometimes those that are can be desensitised
by training, and the same method can be used to train puppies to tolerate
fireworks from an early age.
However,
to keep all animals safe and calm during fireworks it is essential to take
precautionary steps:
The
RSPCA recommends that dog owners stay home with their pet.
Encourage calm behaviour with praise and attention.
Do not soothe and comfort a scared dog, it will
only increase the problem.
Instead
be cheerful and in control.
Keep your dog indoors if you cannot be at home.
Put the dog in a room that is safe and familiar.
Make sure your dog is well identified in case of escape.
The RSPCA recommends microchipping and a collar and tag.
Cat owners should also keep their cats indoors.
Rabbits and other caged animals should be safely secured in a garage or
outbuilding,
away from the sight and sound of fireworks.
As an alternative, the cage can be covered with thick fabric to muffle the
sound,
making sure there is sufficient ventilation.
Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a different location during
fireworks displays in the area. The RSPCA advises that sharp objects are removed
and that stable windows are covered.
Desensitisation may stop pets being afraid of fireworks.
Desensitisation works by regularly exposing animals to the kind of sounds
that frighten them.
Start very quietly. Play a tape recording or sound effects CD just loud
enough
that you notice some irritation, ear-twitching for example.
Attract your dog’s
attention. Play, act as if everything is normal, and reward calm behaviour
with praise and attention. Keep this up for around 20 minutes at a time,
and try to leave the sounds on for a few minutes after you leave the room.
Repeat the process on a daily basis, gradually increasing the volume over the
course of a few months. You will need to allow three to six months in advance to
complete this kind of training, and with some dogs will need to continue it
indefinitely or they will become sensitive again in between fireworks displays.
Unfortunately
for some pets the fear of fireworks is completely overwhelming. When pets have
this kind of abnormal and excessive fear it may feel like there is nothing you
can do to calm them down.
If your pet suffers from an unmanageable phobia of fireworks, then it is at risk
of injury when it panics.
To help keep your pet safe you should try to take
the time to make an appointment with your vet well before the date of the
fireworks display. Discuss the problem with your vet or an animal behaviourist,
who may recommend behavioural therapy, and in some cases may prescribe some
calming medication.
If
you would like further information on trying to help your
animal companions at this stressful time
Please check out the website below for some more helpful hints.
www.fearoffireworks.com
(UK)
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