Fireworks and animals
All kinds of animals are affected by fireworks. There is already a lot of knowledge about it dogs en cats but don't forget the rodents in birds. Below we briefly describe per animal species what the impact of fireworks is and what you could try to take away the fear.
Rabbits and rodents
Rabbits and rodents are bothered by the flashes, the noise and the stench. These are the elements you should limit as much as possible. The main thing is rest. Stay calm and don't react to your rabbit's or rodent's fear. For animals that are indoors, you have sufficient resources to exclude all these stressors. For example, keep the windows and curtains closed and turn on the radio or TV. This may be a little harder than you are normally used to. Are the animals in the living room and would you like to keep the curtains open there? Then move your animals to a room that you can make dark. You can even do this a few days in advance, so that your animals can get used to it. And of course provide a lot of hiding places, distractions and tasty things. If you want to cover the accommodation, make sure there is sufficient ventilation.
Rabbits outside
If your rabbits live outside, you could choose to move them to an indoor area. Take the temperature difference into account. You can't just put rabbits in a heated room at this time of year. You could think of the garage or shed that is not heated. But every rabbit is different. For some rabbits, moving is very stressful, so it is better to choose to leave them in their own familiar accommodation. If you let them stay in their own enclosure, make sure the cage is as low-stimulus and comfortable as possible. Cover the largest openings with a dark blanket or jute bag, provide a nice layer of straw and give them something to keep them busy for a while. If you have an enclosure with an outdoor run, you can choose to close the run and only leave the rabbits in the night/inside enclosure.
Regularly check how things are going. Do you notice that the stress level is getting too high? Then intervene anyway. Sprays and atomizers with pheromones are available. Specially developed against anxiety and stress. You could hang an atomizer in the living room with a spray you could provide your rabbits' outdoor accommodation with a calming scent.
Dogs and cats
The fear of loud noises is a natural fear that is directly related to the urge to survive. Almost every animal, but especially dogs and cats, will react when hearing a loud noise. One breed is more sensitive to this than the other, socialization also plays an important role. Through unpleasant experiences or repeated frightening, animals can develop a real phobia of loud noises. The fear and panic they experience is often great and certainly not an affectation! Dogs and cats who are afraid of fireworks are also often afraid of thunder, gunshots and similar loud noises.
Medication around New Year's Eve is an option for dogs and cats that only suffer from fireworks for a few days around New Year's Eve and have no other behavioral problems. But of course not. There are several ways to reassure your dog or cat, such as sound recordings or soothing sounds. There are also pheromone sprays or fragrance atomizers.
However, for animals that are exposed to fireworks regularly or for longer periods (longer than five days), it is advisable to teach them that the sound of fireworks is not scary. This can be done with the help of behavior modification. This is a type of training that is used in both humans and animals, for example to teach new, suitable behaviors that they can apply at times that are difficult for them. Behavior modification is not easy, it takes time and is best done under the guidance of a licensed behaviorist or licensed veterinary behaviorist. It is important to start on time and build up the training carefully.
Puppy or kitten
If you have a puppy or kitten who has no experience with fireworks yet, it is important to get him used to it so that he will find the sound normal. This is how you can prevent anxiety. Also in this case you have to start in time so that the animal is completely used to loud noises before the real fireworks erupt. Moreover, it is easier for a young puppy or kitten to get used to new things than for an older animal. Getting used to sounds can also be done with the help of sound recordings. Turn up the sound recordings softly so that your animal does not react to them and start playing with the animal. Then turn up the sound recordings slightly louder, but never so loud that the animal is startled. You can give the animal a treat after the game.
The most important thing is never to punish an animal that reacts out of fear. Stroking 'good' can also have the opposite effect. This confirms his/her fear.
Birds
It is clear that fireworks have a negative effect on animals, but also certainly for outdoor birds. They experience a lot of stress because of all the banging and therefore use up a lot of energy, which they will really need during the cold winter nights. For many birds it means only one thing: danger! There is nothing for it but to flee. This causes them to fly out of panic and can hurt themselves.
But indoor birds experience just as much stress. They also have nowhere to go because they often live in a shelter. Therefore, make sure it is as pleasant as possible. It is preferable to start from an early age with your bird to get used to loud and unexpected sounds, for example with special sound recordings. By playing these regularly, starting with a soft sound and increasing the volume a bit, your bird will get used to these loud sounds. Actually, it is the same for almost every animal, it starts with the basics. But if your bird is a bit older, start early in the year with this method. Unfortunately, starting with these methods now often has little effect. Other tips that you can apply yourself are;
- Keep the light on in the house.
- Turn on the radio or TV.
- Close windows and curtains.
- If necessary, use soothing products for support.
If you want to use soothing products for support, look in particular at Bach Rescue drops. You can easily add this to the drinking water or mix it with the feed. These drops are 100% natural. Also a relaxobird can offer a solution. These emit soothing sounds and help to calm your animal. Or work with a night light.
Need help?
If you prefer help making the right choices for your pet, please visit our store. Look at here the opening hours for current and special times. Or call with the department for assistance.
