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Fireworks Can Be The Scurge Of Animals And Not Just Humans

Unionsafety has campaigned along with the CWU, to ensure dangerous dogs are prevented from attacking Postal workers and Telecom and Broadband installers and other workers that attend public homes and properties.

But central to this is also the welfare of dogs, cats, and other pets, if owners are to ensure their pets are not adversely affected by our way of life and how traffic, fieworks and unsociable neighbours can impact the health and welfare of their family pets.

One of the greatest risk to animal and pet welfare is the use of fireworks during the months of November December and January specifically as they are used en-masse.

Stress is a killer, and not just of human beings, but of animals too!

It is estimated that 45% of dogs show signs of fear and anxiety when they hear fireworks. Not just dogs but all animals have very acute hearing and with loud bangs & whistles it can cause them a lot of stress and pain.

Some of the signs that your pet is scared or stresses out by the fireworks include:

* Salivating and drooling
* Whinning and whimpering
* Barking and howling
* Not eating
* Trembling and shaking
* Seeking more attention than normal
* Scratching to escape from a romm or the area they are in
* Hiding in the corner or under a furniture
* House soiling

Lots of pets can suffer from anxiety and stress, they can be especially upset when fireworks are being used. However, there are lots of things that you can do to help them cope better and even overcome their anxiety.

If you’re interested in fireworks safety for pets, here are a few tips:

* Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
* Make sure they have somewhere to hide if they want to. For example make them a den with a towel over a table.
* Walk your dog during the day to avoid taking them out at night when there might be fireworks.
* Close all windows and doors, and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping. This will also help keep the noise out.
* Draw the curtains to block out the flashing lights.
* Turn on the TV or radio, (but not too loudly) in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.
*Make sure your pet is micro-chipped.

Stay calm and don’t show them there is something to panic over. Act normal and give lots of praise for calm behaviour. Reward them with treats!

Try not to leave your pet home alone, consider getting a sitter round if you have to go out for a long time. If you do have to leave them alone, make sure you leave the TV or radio on, and make them a den to hide in if they want to.

Never take your dog to a fireworks display. Even if they don’t show signs of being scared, when they are outside the crowds and noise will be stressful for them.

Small pets and fireworks:

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened. We recommend the following to keep them calm and stress free during fireworks.

If possible bring their cages/hutches into a quiet room indoors or into a garage or a shed.

If you cannot bring the hutch inside, you should turn it’s around so that it faces a wall instead of the open garden.

Cover them with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks
Be prepared and think ahead.

Further information can be read via the Unionsafety
E-Library using searchword 'fireworks'

More information on the detrimental affects of fireworks upon animals can be found on the animal-ethics.org website

Source: RSPCA / PDSA / Animal Ethics website

 

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