We celebrate our national day well-known as Australia Day every year on 26th January to mark the first anniversary of the First Fleet’s appearance at Port Jackson (which includes Sydney Harbour) on January 26th in the year 1788. This year it is on Tuesday. It is a public holiday marked with hundreds of small and large events taking place all across Australia. Each year as a part of the tradition people from all sections. take a day off from their job and make use of the day by going to picnic in a park, play or watch a sports event or to go shopping.
Certain cities and towns in Australia hold citizen ceremonies to greet immigrants to the country that has been given Australian citizenship. These ceremonies often showcase the festive atmosphere. Australian of the Year Awards are also presented to Australians who have made exceptional contributions to the country or community.
There are certain places where grand public firework displays are held. But if you are a pet owner, it becomes a very difficult predicament for you since not only do you want to enjoy the festive occasion, but also want your pet to remain safe from the firework display.
Although there are no direct dangers of firework displays to the pets sometimes pets get frightened by the noise which can indirectly lead to consequences where the pet can try to run and escape from the place. It has been found that dogs and horses are the most petrified pets when they see fireworks. They may try to run away or in some worst cases injuring themselves or others in the process of running.
There are times when a frightened dog ends up running a few kilometres away from the home. There are certain dogs that have the tendency of jumping off the plate glass windows to run away from the loud noises. They can even dig their way under the fences that are normally there to shield them. So as a pet owner what should you do to ensure that your pets are safe during the firework displays on Australia Day? Let us find out:
For dogs:
- Consult with your veterinarian for treatments available to curb the anxiety in the dogs due to the noise of fireworks
- Before taking your pooch to the event take them for exercise and feed them well so that they are tired and well-fed. This would make them less anxious during the firework displays. If you can stay with your doggy at home
- Assure your dog that you are with them. Reward them for unruffled behavior, including treats and toys
- Place your dog in a comfortable hiding place that makes them feel safe also put on some music or switch on the TV to mask the noise from the outside
- A panicky dog can choke themselves when put on a stiff collar or lead hence, do not use a choke chain ever
- Your dog needs to be micro-chipped with updated contact information and ID labels on the micro chip register so that they can be easily returned if they get lost
- If you cannot be with the dog for the night; ensure that someone is there to supervise them so that they are safe
For cats, rabbits and other pets:
It is advised to keep cats indoors during firework displays. Cats usually like to be confined in a hiding place during the noise and come out only when the noise ceases out. Micro chipping your cat is very important (just like dogs with updated contact details); so that in case they wander outside and get lost they can get back safely.
For rabbits and other small pets like guinea pigs they should be kept in the interiors so that they remain safe from the fireworks. It has been found that horses are chiefly susceptible to bolting when they see fireworks. Hence, it is important that you keep them at a place, preferably a stable from a different location than the firework displays. This will ensure that they are free from the risks of physically harming themselves. If there are any sharp objects that can injure the horse remove it immediately. Also ensure that there is ample of food and fresh water supply available to the pets.
In the end, Australia Day is a day of rejoicing and so we do not want your pets to go through any accidents during this auspicious occasion. Follow the things mentioned above and ensure that your pet remains in the pink of their health while you enjoy the festivities.
If you would like to post some photographs of your pet celebrating Australia Day or want to share your personal experience of Australia Day celebration with your pet; post it in the comments section, and we would be glad to integrate it in our upcoming blogs. Till then keep reading and keep your pets safe and healthy!!
