- Keep your companion animals indoors. It helps
when the room is quiet and curtains drawn. Keep
the doors and windows closed to cut out as much
noise as possible.
- Since the sense of hearing is very sharp as
compared to humans, you can try using ear
muffs, if your dog is comfortable with it. Even
tying a scarf around their head helps. Play some
soft music to help calm their nerves.
- If possible, stay with your animal. However, do
not force them to sit near you or try and hold
them tight. If they find comfort under a bed, let
them be where they find comfort the most.
- Take your dog for a long walk late at night, the
day before the festival. Avoid taking them out
during fireworks being set off.
- Keep your dog or cat distracted with lots of toys
and interaction.
- Keep an emergency kit handy, with basic
medication and some bandages.
- Never punish your companion animal if she/he
soils the house in fright. Some animals undergo
severe stress, and yelling at them while they are
already scared of the noise will only make their
anxiety worse.
- Do not indulge your animals with an overdose of
sugar and sweets. Give them their regular treats
to pacify and calm them down.
- If the anxiety attack is very severe, please contact
your veterinarian for medication that will help
calm them down.
10. For the community dogs in your area that you
look after, ensure they all wear collars with name
tags and your contact numbers, in case they run
away from your area or get lost with the noise, it
will help the finder/rescuer get in touch with you.
11. If you see someone purposely tease or taunt a
community dog or cat with fireworks, please tell
them to stop right away. You may also contact a
local animal rescuer/activist for support.
12. Educate your neighbours politely to stay away
from fireworks if possible. If not, talk to them
about waiting for the animals to clear the area
before lighting fireworks. Animals that are startled
have higher chances of running into oncoming
traffic.
13. Keep away fireworks and electrical decorative
lightings away from your animals’ reach.
Fireworks contain extremely harmful chemicals.
14. The most ideal thing to do would be to give
animals shelter in your home or yard or parking
area, at least on the day of the festival, just so
they have a secure place to take some protection
from all the loud noise and smoke pollution.
15. Keep the numbers of your local shelters, animal
rescuers and corporation pounds handy, to check
on animals that might have run away or gotten
lost.
May this festive season be a blessed one, filled
with lots of love and happiness. Let our animals
be safe and comfortable, and fill up their lives with
same love and light.
