Time to say enough to New Year's Eve barrels. Once again we find ourselves renewing the appeal for the Christmas holidays that protect animals. We would like the only new year's bang to be sparkling wine. Instead, due to the fireworks with a bang, about 5000 animals die every year
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Time to say enough to New Year's Eve barrels. Once again we find ourselves renewing the appeal for the Christmas holidays that protect animals. We would like the only New Year's hit to be sparkling wine. And instead, because of the fireworks with a bang, about 5000 animals die each year.
If for someone they represent an occasion of celebration, the barrels for our animal friends are only one heavy source of stress and a serious risk factor for their life. Many birds, for example, die because, terrified by fireworks, they flee madly from their dormitories crashing into walls or high voltage pylons.
Among the "special guards" there are also pets. Anyone who lives with a pet knows this well. In some cases, the terror caused by explosions can be so strong as to prove fatal. It must also be considered that every year on New Year's Eve, hundreds of dogs and cats run away from their homes for fear of barrels.
Many of them disappear into thin air because they end up hit by a car or because they are unable to return to their family; others - the lucky ones - are taken to the kennels. And if they are not microchipped, it can be very difficult for owners to find their pets.
Fortunately, as the animal welfare associations recall, the municipalities of our country are showing a growing sensitivity towards this problem. To the point that some municipal administrations have issued restrictive or prohibition measures.
Here, then, are some suggestions for managing the stress caused in dogs by end-of-year "barrels".
Index
What to do with an outdoor dog?
- place it in a closed, known and safe place providing him with his bed and some objects familiar to him, such as his favorite toys, bowls and something to nibble on. Careful to eliminate anything that could hurt him in case he tries to escape anyway.
- If the dog is tied up, untie it and fix it as in the previous case; remember that a tied dog, if terrified, could be seriously injured.
- If he lives in an external box, check that it is sufficiently secure and that it provides him with the right protection, otherwise arrange him as in the previous cases.
- If you can't fix it indoors, check the integrity of the fence and be very careful: if it manages to get out, you could lose it forever and it wouldn't be so strange.
- During the barrels, if you can, go to him and try to play down the situation, eventually making him play; you don't have to protect or comfort him and above all you don't have to give weight to his anxieties. In these cases, a real "practice of cheerfulness" is much more effective and remember to leave a few appetizing bites when you have to leave.
- A frightened dog would never eat, but the presence of food could make the environment more familiar, making it feel less isolated, if it were ever possible.
What to do with a dog that stays home alone?
- leave the lights on
- leave the doors open
- leave at least two rooms available
- his bed must be easily accessible
- do not leave objects that could hurt him
- inhibit hiding places that are too narrow, to prevent him from being injured to enter
- leave the usual hiding places free
- leaves his toys and something to nibble on
- leave the water bowl (although, when a dog is frightened, it does not eat or drink)
- at midnight, make the phone ring, it could distract him and eventually calm him down by hearing a familiar and reassuring sound.
What to do when the dog is at home with you?
- inform guests about the attitudes to keep pointing out that it is much better if they remain absolutely passive and leave you in control of the situation
- if there are children, instruct them appropriately: they must not rush or excite him unnecessarily, better if they ignore him.
- Leave the doors open, his bed must always be easily accessible
- inhibit hiding places that are too narrow, to prevent him from being injured to enter
- leave his usual hiding places free
- if he hides, do not try to force him out: he must do it on his own initiative. At the most, reach for it and try to maintain an attitude that is as relaxed and calm as possible
- if you want to let him out, call him what you usually do: if he does not obey, it means that he feels safer where he is, even if far from you. In this case, do not insist: he will go out of his own free will when he is no longer frightened
- do not control him: he must not think that he is the center of attention and must not believe that what is happening is addressed only to him at every bang, keep a cheerful attitude making the context pleasant
- if he should urinate or defecate, do not give weight and clean: you must not in any way make him feel guilty
- do not force him to be next to you and let him wander: must be able to create a reassuring situation
- if you are looking for contact, accept it but do not favor it
- do not touch him suddenly, especially from behind and, if you really have to, make sure he sees you and understands your intentions
- if he barks, howls or whines, distract him
- if he tries to bite or destroy objects, distract him
- pay attention to voice tones and do not keep the radio or television very loud
- be very careful when uncorking the bottles
- beware of open balconies: can be seen as desperate escape routes
- he tries to play down the situation, possibly making him play; you don't have to protect or comfort him and above all you don't have to give weight to his anxieties.
The outbreak of fires causes unimaginable damage. This is why it is important to sign the petition launched by #salviamolaforestale on Change.org for ask for a national law banning barrels all year round. Up to now, 22.000 signatures have been reached. The hashtag to use on social networks is # NoaibottidiCapodanno
To sign click here
Roberta Ragni
Read also:
New Year 2014: 12 tips to protect cats and dogs from barrels
