29/12/2023
๐ FIREWORKS REMINDER!
๐งจ Make sure the animals are all safe & sound.
โน๏ธ DOGSNT: FIREWORKS - NEW YEAR'S EVE.
๐ Yes - it's that time of year again. New Yearโs Eve - which means one thing . . . fireworks.
โ What are the dangers for animals of fireworks?
๐งจ Many animals are terrified by fireworks displays, and this often causes them to take flight and try to escape the loud noises. Dogs and horses in particular often try and run away when frightened by fireworks, and may injure themselves.
๐ฅ Dogs have been known to jump through plate glass windows, easily jump over or dig under fences that would normally contain them, and sometimes end up several kilometres from home.
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๐งจ Planning ahead is crucial! New Yearโs Eve fireworks are to be expected so check your local council or the government website to find out if there are other fireworks events - including earlier displays on New Yearโs Eve.
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โ What can I do for my dog?
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๐ค It can be helpful to take your dog out for exercise BEFORE the fireworks start, & give them a good meal a couple of hours AFTER the exercise but BEFORE the fireworks start. A tired, relaxed & well-fed dog may be less anxious during the night.
๐งจ If you can, stay home with your dog. Let your dog be with you, remain calm & perform your normal activities. Avoid fussing over your pet excessively as this may encourage anxious behaviour โ just try to engage them in normal activities such as playing & reward them for their calm behaviour. Just be there for your dog.
๐ฅ Keep your dog indoors if possible, close the blinds/curtains & create a comfortable hiding place (like a cardboard box with blankets inside). You can also put on some soft music or the TV to help mask the noise outside.
โ ๏ธ Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dog during fireworks & never use a choke chain to restrain your dog.
๐งจ Dogs should not be left outside alone as this greatly increases the risk of them getting scared and distressed or escaping.
๐ฅ Make sure your dog is microchipped & that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register, as well as ensuring they are wearing an ID tag so if they do accidentally escape they can be returned.
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โ What about other pets & animals?
๐ Cats๏ธ should be kept indoors during fireworks (in fact, itโs safer to keep them inside most of the time). Ensure they have somewhere comfortable and safe to hide โ most cats will find somewhere to hide away and usually venture out when the noise stops. You can use some of the same tricks as for dogs too, like closing blinds and playing some soft music or TV to mask the noises.
๐ด Horses often escape during fireworks & are often injured. If possible, horses should be securely stabled or temporarily moved to a location away from the fireworks display. Any sharp objects that might injure a panicking horse should be removed, stable windows covered to hide the sight of the fireworks & to reduce the noise, and food and water should be available.
๐จโโ๏ธ If you know your animal is very fearful of fireworks, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian well before the fireworks are scheduled. They can provide professional advice on other ways to help your pet, such as training and medication.
๐ฆ Wildlife can also be affected by fireworks. Wild birds will often take flight & injure themselves, & larger animals like kangaroos & wallabies may flee and end up on roads. Fireworks debris is also toxic if ingested by animals. Make sure you have the details of local wildlife carer organisations close at hand, in case you encounter a wild/native animal that needs your help.
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โน๏ธ More tips to help your pet through fireworks or thunderstorms:
๐ธ Do not punish your pet for exhibiting this behaviour during times of stress
๐ธ Allow your animal to come inside your house or provide your pet with a kennel or soundproof area - bricks, foam-lined kennel or crate
๐ธ Use comfort items such as pheromones, favourite toys or blankets
๐ธ Play music or leave the TV on to create white noise & change of focus. This will also help to block out the distressing noise
Include your pet in your cyclone emergency response - including pet transport, food and water
๐ธ Be tactile, dogs will look for reassurance from owners, therefore giving them a pat or showing affection will calm an animal
๐ธ Avoid leaving your pets home alone
๐ธ Make sure that your boundary fences and gates are secure and that your pet cannot readily escape through them or over them
Register your pet - Ensure that your pet wears identification, particularly, a microchip
๐ธ In cases of severe anxiety, see your vet for prescription sedatives.
โน๏ธ NT GOVERNMENT ADVICE IS AVAILABLE VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK:
๐ https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/resident-services/pets/great-pets-start-with-you/fireworks-and-thunderstorms
โน๏ธ For further information on finding your pet if they have escaped, visit the NT Governments Lost Pets page:
๐ https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/resident-services/pets/lost-pets
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