WITH Guy Fawkes a few days away as well as the arrival of the Highveld thunderstorms, please spare a thought for the furry members of our family and that of the neighbourhood. Don’t be caught off-guard, please make sure your pets will be safe with thunder and fireworks. Remember that it isn’t only dogs that suffer from noise phobia, cats do as well.
Top tips to keep your pets safe:
1. Organise a safe area for your pet to be during the display. Garages and bathrooms are not a good choice. Carpeted areas where the curtains can be closed are better to block out sound and light better. Do not chain them up, or cage them in as they might hurt themselves trying to escape. For cats, close windows and cat flaps so they don’t run off and get lost and leaving a cupboard open for a cat to hide in works well. If they are used to a crate it is a great way to keep them calm and secure.
2. Putting on music or the TV will help to block out the noise.
3. Have a really great chew toy ready to distract them.
4. Try to stay home with your pets and keep them distracted.
5. Make sure their identification is current and that it is working (microchips, name tags, correct numbers are recorded).
6. Take dogs for a long walk the afternoon before so that they are tired when the display starts.
7. Some dogs will need medication or natural calmatives to help them. Some of the drugs that are used must be tested before so contact your vet well in advance if you think your dog might need something stronger.
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