If many people enjoy the sound of fireworks as way to welcome and celebrate the New Year, for animals is instead a shocking noise that frightens and terrorizes them becoming sometimes even very dangerous.

It is not uncommon actually that frightened and terrorized animals are more inclined to run away from home gardens and courtyards getting lost or ending up hit by a car. Elderly animals or those with heart diseases can even die from heart attack.

Fireworks are not only risky for our pets, but also for wildlife (i.e. birds, squirrels, small mammals, butterflies, fishes). These animals frightened by loud noise and flashing lights could get confused and, disoriented from the terrible fear, crashed into trees, walls, windows, electrical cables or run over by a car.

Another negative consequence is that residues of fireworks contain toxic chemicals and other poisonous substances which are harmful to animals if ingested and have a devastating impact on the environment.

OIPA has drafted a list of 10 simple advice for protecting animals in order to keep your dog, cat or other pet safe from fireworks during New Year’s Eve celebration.

 

10 SIMPLE RECOMMENDATIONS (DOWNLOAD HERE_10 TIPS)

1⃣ Keep animals as far away as possible from celebrations or from places where fireworks are lighted up. Animals are much more sensitive than humans to loud noise, flashing lights and strong smells;

2⃣Don’t leave your animals alone! They might have uncontrolled reactions and get hurt. Stay closed to your pet, be calm and try to distract the animal from the noise;

3⃣Don’t leave your animals outside! If your pets are used to stay outdoors, keep them safely indoors to prevent the possibility of running away;

4⃣Keep your TV or radio loud, close windows and shutters in a way to soften the noise caused by fireworks’ explosion;

5⃣Leave your animals to take shelter wherever they prefer, even if normally it’s a forbidden place. Let them to feel protected in a comfortable place or location;

6⃣Be sure to keep your dog on a leash during walks. Don’t leave your dog free, even inside dog parks. The animal, driven by fear and anxiety, might run away getting lost or ending up hit by a car;

7⃣Ask a veterinary, specialized in animal behaviour, for suggestions and demand a supportive therapy that might alleviate your pet’s fear and axiety but only if strictly needed;

8⃣DON’T give sedatives to your animals as home remedy, certain drugs might have negative effects or enhance the phobic state;

9⃣Try to spend the New Year’s Eve with your pets in a place far from loud and unexpected noise. Safeguard their physical and psychological health;

🔟 Ask your Municipality to issue a warning to ban fireworks and raise awareness in your community explaining which danger and effects unnecessary noises caused on pets and wild animals.