28/10/2024
Diwali - 31 Oct-1 Nov 2024
๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐?๐พ
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On the day of the expected fireworks, look for your animals, especially cats, before the fireworks start.
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Close windows and curtains so your pet is not startled by sudden flashes.
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Try blocking the intensity of the sounds your pet hears. Ear protection for dogs is available.
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If your pet is afraid of storms or other loud outside noises, leaving them outdoors while they are anxious or panicked is the worst thing you can do. Keep your pets indoors with windows, doors and pet doors shut & secured so they canโt escape when spooked.
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If your cat is not used to being indoors, provide extra litter boxes inside. Other pets who are scared might be safer to leash them when you go for pottie as scared animals can bolt.
Provide your pet with food before the fireworks as it can help calm them or they might be too stressed to eat later.
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A quiet environment can often provide relief. The goal is to give your dog a secure spot that helps them calm themselves. Try coaxing them to a quiet area of your home where theyโd be completely unable to hear the noise stressors. Either leave them there to self-soothe (as long as they are not frantic) or stay quietly with them. Use blankets and bedding to mask the sounds and add their favourite toy. If they continue to panic in the dark, quiet space, it isnโt what they need to help them relax.
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Cats also feel secure playing inside boxes.
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If your dog is crate trained, they may go there voluntarily to self-soothe, or you can lead the way. A blanket draped over the crate may help them relax. However, if your dog doesnโt normally use a crate, or worse, has a fear of crates due to a past bad experience, this isnโt the time to use one. Under no circumstances should a fearful pup be forced into a crate either when theyโre already anxious, or in anticipation of a panic response to weather or other noises. Your dog will feel trapped, which will make both their phobia and reaction to it worse.
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Place a few drops of the essential oil of lavender on your dogโs collar or bedding before a stressor occurs, if possible.
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Play calm, soothing music like MusicMyPet before a potential stressor occurs. Put the TV or music on, to mute the firework bangs.
Music Helps Pets Relax ๐ถ
https://caninelullabies.com/
https://rescueanimalmp3.org/
https://lisaspector.hearnow.com/?ck_subscriber_id=2476149698
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If your pet is hiding, donโt try to lure them out. This can make them become more anxious & stressed.
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Distract your pet with treats or play time if they are pacing or displaying nervous behaviour. Give them something to chew on or sniff.
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Try putting gentle, continuous pressure on your pet to calm her. If theyโll allow it, try leaning gently on or against them without petting or stroking. If this is helping, youโll feel their muscles begin to relax. If instead they seems to grow more anxious, this isnโt a technique that will be beneficial for them.
If your dog seems to respond well to pressure applied to their body, there are wraps available like the Thunder-shirt that many pet owners and veterinarians find extremely helpful.
T-touch is a specific massage technique that may also help anxious pets.
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Stay home with your pets in these frightening times as you would with frightened children.
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You also need to stay calm as they can feel your anxiety.
Donโt support fireworks and report illegal use of it in residential areas, to your nearest SAPS (even if you think nothing will happen a paper trail can help in future). Help us educate about the cruelty of fireworks for animals, humans, PTSD sufferers, mental health sufferers, war veterans and others.
๐ Read more about fireworks here:
https://thebulletin.co.za/life/columnist/pet-safety-and-fireworks/
