VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

A campaign to stop the anti-social practice of

fireworks traumatizing people and animals

of the Hibiscus Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Fireworks Safety and Loud Noise Phobias

As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Commonly seen signs include:

• Shaking, trembling

• Excessive drooling

• Barking, howling

• Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure

• Refusing to eat food

• Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

Note: The signs mentioned above are general signs and could be indicative of many different diseases or conditions. Please consult with your veterinarian if these signs persist after fireworks or thunder has subsided, or if you suspect that your pet may have been poisoned or is otherwise ill.

Practice Safety

• Keep pets indoors. It is advisable to close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. A quiet place, such as a carrier, may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort.

• Use a leash or carrier. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

• Practice fire safety. Keep pet away from matches, open fires, and fireworks - especially ones that are lighted on the ground. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if too close to the fireworks.

• Take pet for a walk first. If possible, make sure that your pet has time to "use the restroom" before the fireworks start. Some pets are too frightened to void once the fireworks begin and this may lead to an "accident" later on.

• Make sure pet ID is current. Make sure that your pet has proper identification tags, with current information, in case s/he gets away. This will help the local authorities (who are quite busy at this time of year handling frightened runaways).

What can I do if my pet is frightened of fireworks and thunder?

Some animals do fine and don't seem to notice the fireworks. Some do well with just having their owner near, talking in a soothing voice and petting or holding the pet. And then there are some pets that cannot be calmed by petting or talking to them - they are simply too upset.

Animals that are frightened/stressed can hurt themselves and possibly escape if left alone, and the results can be fatal. Frightened animals running loose are in great danger of being hit by a car.

For these animals, it is best to provide a safe place, such as a carrier, to be in while the fireworks last. This alone may be enough of a comfort to soothe some pets. If the carrier is not enough to calm the animal, medication (in the form of a tranquilizer) may be warranted.

Tranquilizers are not for every pet! Talk to your vet about medical options that are suitable for your dog or cat. A patient-doctor relationship is needed before dispensing medications to examine the animal and ensure that there aren't any underlying heart or other problems.  Also, medications are based on current weight.

If you're not fond of drugs for your pets, there are some herbal concoctions that have a calming effect. Rescue Remedy, available at health food stores, is recommended for both physical and emotional shock. It is a mixture of several Bach Flower Remedies: impatiens, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, rock rose, and clematis. Many veterinarians routinely prescribe it.

To help your pet become accustomed to thunder and other loud noises, you can try some behavior modification. This technique involves playing a recording of thunder at very low levels. Use the time to reassure your pet that everything is fine. Gradually increase the volume slowly over time, as your pet is able to handle the sounds without getting stressed. This technique does require time and patience for it to be effective. Start slow and do short sessions only at first. Praising the pet for remaining calm is important. Be careful not to overdo praising as you want the pet to feel that this is "situation normal" as much as possible.

SAY NO TO FIREWORKS

Fireworks? Oh no!

I found a safe place ...

... and this is my bomb shelter !

Use a carrier ...

... or a leash ...

... and ensure the ID tag is legible and current

Stress is also very harmful to pet birds

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