With the festive season around the corner occasions such as Guy Fawkes, Diwali, Christmas and New Year\u2019s Eve, are often celebrated with firecrackers.<\/p>\n
It is no secret that fireworks can upset animals, so Pedigree and Whiskas spoke to Allan Perrins, spokesperson for the Animal Welfare Society of SA for some tips and tricks to keep animals safe and calm.<\/p>
If you know your pet will still be very distressed, there are a number of off-the-shelf or prescribed calming remedies that one can give pets to help lessen the trauma \u2013 just speak to your local vet.<\/p>\n
Keep your pet in a safe and secured room for two reasons. Firstly, doing so will keep them from running away. Secondly, try select a room that will muffle the noise from outdoors and surround pets with familiar and comforting items. You can even turn on the television or play music to help drown out the noise. \u00a0Keep the curtains drawn to prevent animals from trying to escape through glass panes.<\/p>
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Fireworks \u2013 10 safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n 5 November \u2013 Guy Fawkes and the story that could have changed the world<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a selection of healthy treats that you can keep on hand to use as a distraction while the fireworks display is going on.<\/p>\n Fear makes animals pant, and while they might want to hide and avoid the water bowl, make sure your frightened pet is staying hydrated and keep their food and water bowls nearby.<\/p>\n Even with secure screens, a cat or small dog may be able to escape in a panic. Animals have very sensitive hearing and noses and the burning scent of fireworks can be distressing, so rather keep the windows closed and if it is hot, put a fan on in the room.<\/p>\n Make sure your pets have nametags with phone numbers and home addresses that are up to date, so that if they do happen to run away, someone can get them back to you. If your pets are micro-chipped, make sure that the information associated with the microchip is current.<\/p>\n Dates to remember: Guy Fawkes: November 5<\/p>\n Diwali: November 7<\/p>\n Christmas: December 25<\/p>\n New Year\u2019s Eve: December 31<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
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