Happy Canada Day! As we celebrate Canada’s 149th birthday, it is easy to forget about the comfort of our, and other people’s pets, as we indulge in family fun time, which most likely will include fireworks at some point.
It can be very scary for animals of all kinds during holidays where very loud, but often beautiful, fireworks are being set off. Even if it is from far away, the noise can sound incredibly loud to an animal, given a cat can hear frequencies up to 100 000 hertz, and a dog 35 000 – 40 000 hertz; humans have a range of 20 000 hertz, just to give you an idea of just how incredibly developed their sense of hearing is. What may not seem like a big deal to us is, however, quite often frightening to our four-legged friends.
Here are some tips on how to care for your furry friend during the holiday:
– keep your dogs and cats indoors when fireworks are being set off. Double check to make sure there are no openings for them to escape out of, as an animal in a panic can and will do its best to avoid a terrifying experience. Close windows, as screens are quite easy to break out of. You can even turn on the TV and/or radio, or play with him or her to help distract from the celebrations.
– have your animal microchipped, or wear a tag on a collar, with up-to-date contact information just in case an escape occurs.
– If they hide, don’t try to coax them out, as they’re just trying to feel safe and secure. Make a little nest for them, with soft blankets, toys, and treats.
– go about your business as usual: act like there’s nothing to be worried about. Show affection to your pet as you normally would, but allow them to stay hidden if that is what they prefer.
– you may even speak to your vet in regards to certain medications/relaxation techniques you can use to help ease your pet.
– unless you are 100% sure of your dog’s reaction to fireworks, it is best to leave him or her at home. Do not bring them to the fireworks displays as they can and will bolt.
– never punish your pet for its reactions to fireworks: they cannot help themselves, and do not understand the situation at hand.
By following these tips, and doing further research for yourself, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all this holiday weekend. Cheers!
This week’s column written by Bonnie Pearson
Pictured below, Violet, up for adoption at the Niagara Falls Humane Society!
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