The rule is simple – if someone loves animals, they don't shoot firecrackers. But others shoot. Maciej Zalewski checked what to do with our four-legged friend to save him stress on New Year's Eve. Material from the “Poland and World” magazine. The entire edition is available on TVN24 GO.
Lili from Warsaw's Kabaty and five-month-old Guczi from Poznań's Citadel are nearly three hundred kilometers apart, but they share the concerns of their owners. The upcoming New Year's Eve is a joy for the celebrating people, but a huge stress for the animals, which the owners try to cope with somehow.
Violent and stressful reactions of pets to gunshots and firecracker explosions are natural. – These are sounds that first of all cause fear, anxiety, and sometimes pain, because animals have a much wider range of sound hearing – explains Wojciech Hildebrand from the Novet veterinary clinic in Wrocław.
Agnieszka Wypych from the Krakow Animal Defense Association calls for giving up fireworks. – We appeal to you: have a heart, have empathy. Don't shoot, save the animals, he adds.
– A bigger problem is wild animals which, scared by gunshots and bright lights, look for shelter in urban conditions – says veterinarian Eryk Ratajski. – The animals are often brought to our clinic. We try to help, but not everyone can, he adds.
Tips for pet owners
However, every pet owner can prepare for the upcoming New Year's Eve to help their pet.
Dog trainer and behaviorist Piotr Wojtków suggests that a good solution is to take the dog for a long walk, where “the dog will be able to sniff, regulate its emotions and also take care of its physiological needs.” – Let's remember to go for a walk when it's quiet – he notes.
Experts advise how to save your pets from stressShutterstock
It is worth making sure that a potential escaped dog has an address tag so that you can quickly track him down if necessary. – Writing the telephone number, address and name of the town is an appropriate, good preventive measure – says Agnieszka Wypych.
During the increasingly noisy evening, the greatest support for your pet will be the guardian. – Let's also remember that forcefully calming down may have the opposite effect. If we are stressed and nervous and our dog avoids contact, let him alone. If an animal is looking for a place to hide, for example in the bathroom, open the bathroom and do not force anything, says Piotr Wojtków.
– It is important to close the windows tightly, cover the blinds and curtains to block out the light – emphasizes Agnieszka Wypych.
Be careful with medications
The last resort is pharmacology, i.e. sedatives. Veterinarians say plainly that it is a little late for full therapy, but not too late. It is important to consult a veterinarian when selecting medications.
– You need to know whether the animal suffers from, for example, circulatory system, liver or kidney diseases, because these drugs may additionally cause perturbations – warns Wojciech Hildebrand.
Main photo source: Shutterstock