Stress alert for animals on National Day

Fireworks mean stress for animals

For some people, fireworks may be pure magic, but for animals they are above all one thing: pure stress.

The popular initiative «For the restriction of fireworks» aims to put a definitive end to the banging. Animal welfare organisations support this political cause. Because animals frequently react to the noise with great fear. They also offer tips on how animal owners can make this night more bearable for their furry companions, and what to bear in mind when dealing with wild and so-called farm animals on 1 August.

Many pets react to loud fireworks with great fear or even panic. Dogs in particular often seek protection from their owners.

Anxious dogs should not be comforted. Doing so reinforces their sense of insecurity. It is best for the dog owner to remain calm and composed, largely ignoring their animal’s fearful behaviour. This radiates the necessary sense of calm.

Dominik del Castillo, biologist and campaigner at VIER PFOTEN Switzerland

Cats too can be greatly frightened by the loud sounds of fireworks. Free-roaming cats should not be let outside on this day, so they do not run away in panic. The following precautions can additionally be taken by pet owners to reduce stress for their animals on 1 August.

What pet owners can do:

• The room should be darkened and the television or radio switched on in order to shield from the outside as much as possible.
• Animals should be provided with retreat options without fail.
• Small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs must be handled with great care when fireworks are set off, as these prey animals can panic due to the effects of light and noise. Additional hiding places should be provided for the animals within their enclosure. If the animals are kept outdoors, the outdoor enclosure should, where possible, be repositioned so that it faces a wall or similar structure.
• Homeopathic remedies or Bach flower preparations are one option for calming pets. Conventional sedatives should only be used in exceptional cases and following consultation with a veterinarian.
• Rural areas are, in general experience, quieter. Anyone wishing to do their dog a favour can leave the city with them during the national holiday.
• Special treats can be prepared to convey to the dog that the noise is associated with something positive. For dogs that have not yet experienced many fireworks nights, anxiety can be reduced in this way.
• The final walk of the day on 1 August should be completed in the early evening, so as to avoid being out with the dog during the noisiest period after nightfall.

All animals fear the 1 August noise

That pets are frightened of fireworks seems clear. But what of wildlife and so-called farm animals on 1 August? These animals suffer on the Swiss national holiday just as much as domestic pets. Native wild animals, particularly prey species such as roe deer and hares, are startled by every unfamiliar sound. The explosions combined with the flashes of light from rockets send the animals into a panic, which in extreme cases can lead to miscarriages or fatal panic-driven flight.

Bonfires pose a serious and largely underestimated danger to small mammals, hedgehogs, reptiles and frogs. Many of these animals seek what they believe to be a safe hiding place in dry piles of wood. But once the bonfire is lit, these small creatures fall victim to the flames. Tips on how to better protect animals from death by fire:

• Only build the wood pile as shortly before burning as possible.
• Where possible, erect an enclosed protective fence of at least 30 cm in height around the pile and remove it only shortly before the bonfire is lit.

For a night as stress-free as possible for domestic, wild, and so-called farm animals, it is advisable not to set off fireworks near forests, wetlands, nature reserves, zoos, and farms. Ideally, one should refrain entirely from loud fireworks and bonfires. More on the topic Animal welfare.