FOUR PAWS gives tips on how pets can survive the turn of the year without stress
Hamburg. On New Year's Eve, numerous dogs, cats and other small animals as well as wild animals and agricultural animals will again suffer from noise, flashes of light and smoke. The global animal welfare foundation FOUR PAWS therefore appeals to everyone to avoid fireworks and gives tips on what pet owners can do to ensure that pets survive the turn of the year without fear.
“The best thing you can do for all animals and the environment is to consistently avoid fireworks,” says Karina Omelyanovskaya, campaign manager for pets at FOUR PAWS.
Raise awareness for dogs and cats
To prepare your dog or cat for loud rockets and the banging of firecrackers, you can play fireworks videos or noises from time to time days before the New Year and slowly get the animals used to the noise. “For animals that are particularly sensitive to noise, you should start with a hesitant exposure to sound weeks before New Year's Eve and then increase it slowly. “With luck, a kind of habituation effect can develop over time,” says Karina Omelyanovskaya.
Distraction and workload
On New Year's Eve, dog owners should walk in uninhabited areas if possible. “It's best to go for a walk before sunset, because the first firecrackers and rockets are often set off as soon as it gets dark,” says the FOUR PAWS expert. “A tired dog reacts less stressed. That's why you should always incorporate small play units into your walk. It’s also great when the dog can let off steam with other dogs.”
Danger: Even if your dog is not very skittish, it should definitely be kept on a leash. “Even a relaxed dog can be frightened by a bright flash of light or a loud bang and run away in panic – in the worst case, in front of a car. That's why you shouldn't take any unnecessary risks and keep your four-legged friend on a leash. The dog should also wear a tag with the contact details of the owner or a pet register and be chipped by now at the latest. If the animal manages to run away despite being on a leash, the microchip can help return the dog to its owner,” says Karina Omelyanovskaya.
Back at home, you can keep the dog busy in the evening with chew toys. The television or radio creates background noise and is a little distracting. “So that the cat or dog is not startled by the flashes of lightning and explosions, you should close the windows tightly, draw the curtains or lower the blinds,” recommends the FOUR PAWS expert.
Bring animals into the house
Not only dogs, but also outdoor cats should stay indoors at the turn of the year. Especially at midnight, the sounds of firecrackers and explosions often come from all directions. “Cats and dogs could run in front of a moving car, bus or train. “That’s why you should play it safe and leave even outdoor animals indoors on New Year’s Eve,” says the expert.
No party fun for animals
Many people want to spend the New Year with their loved ones – and for many this includes their own pet. However, FOUR PAWS appeals not to take your dog to a public New Year's Eve event. “Crowds of people, dense crowds and fireworks that last for minutes are not a suitable environment for a dog. “You’re not doing your animal any favors,” warns Karina Omelyanovskaya.
Don't forget small animals
Not only dogs and cats, but also small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters can react to fireworks with palpitations and fear. FOUR PAWS expert Omelyanovskaya asks that animals kept outside be protected from noise and flashing lights: “Rabbits are escape animals. New Year’s Eve is often torture for them.”