Stress-Free Holidays: Tips for Pet Owners on National Day

The 1st of August evokes mixed feelings.

On the one hand, there is already a festive atmosphere; on the other hand, many dread this day. The reason is the countless fireworks displays that, while often looking impressive against the dark night sky, simultaneously burden the environment and send sensitive people and animals into a panic with their noise.

What pet owners can do   

Until a political decision is reached and a possible implementation of the fireworks initiative takes place, it is advisable for pet owners to take precautions to reduce the stress of their four-legged companions on National Day. Yasmine Wenk, Campaign Coordinator for Pets at FOUR PAWS Switzerland, knows how best to achieve this:

• Pet owners should remain as calm as possible and convey composure to their frightened animals.
• Cats with outdoor access that react to fireworks should not be let outside on this day, so that they do not run away in panic or suffer accidents.
• The room should be darkened and the television or radio turned on in order to shield the animals as much as possible from outside noise.
• Animals must be provided with retreat options without fail.
• Small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs require special care when fireworks are set off, as these prey animals can panic due to the effects of light and noise. The animals should be provided with additional hiding places in their enclosure. If the animals are kept outdoors, they should be brought inside the home or to another quiet space, such as a garden shed, at this time. If this is not possible, the enclosures must be arranged in such a way that neither the noise nor the lights can frighten the animals.
• There are various conventional and alternative medications available on the market that can help dogs during these times. However, it is important to first seek the advice of a veterinarian before administering any medication to a dog.
• Anyone who wants to do their dog a favour can leave the city with them on National Day and seek out quieter, more rural areas. In many Graubünden tourist resorts there are already bans or restrictions on large-scale fireworks. Arosa, for example, has banned large-scale fireworks since 2018.
• Special treats can be provided to convey to the dog that the noise brings something positive with it. For dogs that have not yet experienced many fireworks nights, this can help reduce anxiety.
• The last walk of the day on 1 August should be completed in the early evening, to avoid being out with the dog during the loudest period after nightfall. It is also advisable to keep dogs on a lead, should there be unexpected bangs that trigger a dog's flight instinct.

Wildlife and so-called farm animals are also affected   

In addition to the numerous pets, wildlife and so-called farm animals also suffer from the noise of fireworks on Switzerland's National Day. Native wildlife, particularly prey animals such as roe deer and brown hares, are startled by every unfamiliar sound. “The loud explosions and the flares from rockets cause the animals to panic so severely that miscarriages or flights with fatal consequences can occur,” warns Dominik del Castillo, Wildlife Campaigner at VIER PFOTEN Switzerland.

To ensure the most stress-free night possible for domestic, wild, and so-called farm animals, VIER PFOTEN advises against setting off fireworks near forests, wetlands, nature reserves, zoos, and farms. Even better is to refrain entirely from noisy fireworks.