HOW to keep dogs comfortable during New Year's Eve fireworks?
According to Saipan Humane Society clinic manager Ruby Ma, the holiday celebrations can be a stressful time for dogs because their senses of smell and hearing are much more sensitive than humans.
Ma said dogs have an impressive hearing range of 47,000 to 65,000 hz, more than triple the average human's limit of 20,000 hz.
She said a dog’s sense of smell can also be thousands of times stronger than a human. According to the Phoenix Veterinary Center website, dogs possess 300 million olfactory centers in their noses while humans possess six million.
Not surprisingly, the booming of fireworks can send your pets into overdrive. They'll either huddle in corners, shaking with fear, or frantically race around your yard.
In a flyer, the Saipan Humane Society provides the following New Year’s Eve tips to dog owners:
1) Top up your dog’s water bowl because anxious dogs pant more and can get very thirsty.
2) Create a quiet space for your dog where they can feel cozy and secure.
3) Play white noise or calming sounds on a device. Some pets find music and white noise calming during stress.
4) Keep your dog physically close to you, and stay with them during the duration of the fireworks.
5) Exhaust your dogs before the fireworks to encourage relaxation.
6) Before New Year’s Eve, desensitize your dogs to the sound of fireworks by quietly playing firework sounds on a device.
Ma said sometimes dogs can panic and escape their enclosures or their owners’ properties. She said this is why it’s important to keep name tags and collars on your dog.
But it’s preferable to keep them indoors, she added. Make sure they have blankets, treats, toys, and other comfort items. Prior to keeping your pets indoors, Ma said you should let them relieve themselves before the fireworks start.
If you must take your pets outdoors to gatherings, keep them nearby and on a leash, Ma added.
