Illawarra pet owners are reminded to put their pets inside before New Year’s Eve fireworks explode around the region on Monday night.
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RSPCA Illawarra shelter manager Judith Wright said the best solutions for dog owners in particular was to stay home or make sure the pet is secure and safe where they can’t escape.
“Have it in the house, laundry or garage. You can put music on, radio, TV, leave it with a good chew bone or its favourite toy,” she said.
Read more: Your guide to New Year’s Eve in Wollongong
“Don’t assume that because your animal has ever escaped the yard that it won’t this time. A lot of dogs sometimes develop phobias later. They can be three, four, or five before they develop”.
Ms Wright said if an animal is really badly affected by fireworks they can look at seeing their vet about possibly getting some medication/sedation for the dog”.
Dogs ears are very sensitive. Fireworks can be really painful for them so many will jump a fence to try and get away from the noise and or search for safety.
If they do get out those with up to date microchips and collars and tags with phone numbers are easier to find.
“If people do lose a pet. Check your local vets the next day. Put flyers up around nearby shops, search where you normally take the dog for a walk and ring the RSPCA,” Ms Wright said.
“We will be open New Year’s Day from 9am to 2pm for anyone who has lost a pet or has found one.
“There is also the Illawarra Lost and Found Pet Facebook page which is excellent and re-uniting animals with their owners. You do have to be careful you have the correct owner. If you have any doubts you can bring the pet here and we will scan it to make sure the right person is the person getting it back”.
Horses can also be affected by fireworks and may try to escape a fenced area.
The other advice Ms Wright gives is don’t just keep pets secure at the scheduled time for fireworks. If you live in a neighbourhood where people set them off illegally at all hours keep dogs safely secure inside the whole night.
“Dogs have jumped through stained glass windows, undone locks and all sorts of things if they are really really desperate,” she said.
“They do look for somewhere to hide and feel safe. So if they have a kennel they normally sleep in put that into the laundry and garage with them so they can get in”.
Tips from the RSPCA
- Make sure your dog or cat is microchipped and wearing an ID tag with your phone number on it, in case they become lost.
- If you know your dog is likely to become distressed, stay at home with them, if possible. If you can’t be home, consider getting someone you trust to look after them.
- Making sure your dog has had plenty of exercise and has been fed will help to settle them.
- Create a comfortable hiding place for your pet, so they can feel safe and secure.
- Keep your dog and cat indoors when fireworks are expected, they will be a lot safer and feel more secure.
- Smaller pets such as rabbits should be safely locked away in their house and kept in a secure spot inside until the fireworks are finished.
- Reward and distract your pet with treats or toys. Putting music or the TV on can also help to mask the noises outside.
- Don’t tie your dog up, as they can strangle themselves if they get spooked and try to escape.
- Horses get particularly worried about fireworks and should be securely stabled and kept away from any objects they might hurt themselves on.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
