PETS
O
n the 31st of December, people around the world gather to celebrate New Year with an array of sparklers and
fireworks. Although this is great fun for kids and adults alike, it can be a night of hell for many of our furry
friends. Animals are able to hear a wider range of sounds than humans can, the sound from fireworks is at least
FIVE TIMES louder to them. The loud bangs may cause them to run away and seek shelter where they feel safe
and secure. This often means that they escape from your property which result in them getting lost or being
accidentally killed as they run in front of cars.
There are a few things that you can do to help ease their stress:
• If possible, keep your pets indoors with the curtains closed (try to keep dogs away from windows; they may
hurt themselves jumping through a window). Put the TV or radio on to provide some noise distraction.
• Get your cat a kitty cave, cuddle coil or even his carrier to hide in.
• If you know that your pet will become very stressed through the course of the evening, chat to your vet about
starting calming supplements a few weeks in advance and also ask about giving sedatives/tranquilizers on the
night.
• There are effective homeopathic remedies available too. You should probably start your pet on a homeopathic
solution a few days before the fireworks.
• Take your dog for a walk, feed your pets and provide ample water prior to the fireworks starting.
• Don’t fuss over your pets during the fireworks. Stay composed and talk calmly to them, but show them that
there is nothing to be frightened of.
• Give your pets a nutritious and balanced meal at night – this is likely to make them sleepier. Also, put familiar
and comforting things such as toys, baskets, catnip toys or chew toys around them to keep them preoccupied
Don’t forget:
• Ensure that your cat and dog have proper identification tags or microchips and that your information
is up to date. Your cat’s collar must have an elastic insert.
• Dogs and cats are not the only ones to become stressed, also keep an eye on your pet birds and small
animals and take them inside if possible.
Source: (http://www.animal-behaviour.org.za/articles/general/articles_fireworks_and_your_pet.html)
Please ensure that your pets are kept safe and secure during the festive period. The estate security experiences
many problems with stray animals and unfortunately, we do not have sufficient space to keep these animals safe
until they’ve been reunited with their owners. Kindly put an identity tag on your pet so they can be reunited with
their owner should they get lost. If owners do not collect their lost pets, they will be handed to the SPCA.
Residents must please ensure that a pet sitter has an access card. For more information, please contact the
Thatchfield Management Office.
Thatchfield News
pg 13