‘Look after your pets on New Year’

ILOILO City – Not only are people affected by the New Year noise from firecrackers and revelries, but pets as well.

With this, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 urged fur parents to look after and keep their pets safe, just like taking safety measures for humans.

“Mas nami gid pati ang aton pets i-take care same kon paano kita magtatap sa aton nga families,” said registered nurse Rodnie I. Gonzales, Health Education Promotion Officer II and head of the Communications Management Unit of DOH-6.

Among his tips to avoid causing stress to pets is to keep them indoors.

“May ara bi kita animals, ilabi na ang ido, nga nahadlok sa fireworks, so they should be indoors lang kay dali ma-stress ang aton pets,” Gonzales said.

It is also encouraged to keep them in a space where smoke created by firecrackers and fireworks, which could cause asthma in humans and animals, does not enter.

“As experienced ko last year sa akon dogs, ginbutangan ko sila sang elastic bandage from the neck then crossing the body; daw gina-hug mo sila, so I think it was effective sa akon three dogs last year,” he added.

Just this week, the DOH-Central Office issued a unique plea: “Spare a thought for pets, which often suffer in silence during the loud holiday celebrations.”

“Understanding that pets, like dogs, perceive these events differently, it’s necessary to acknowledge the potential distress they experience. The loud and unpredictable noises from fireworks can trigger a heightened fight-or-flight response in dogs, manifesting as anxiety, restlessness, and other signs of discomfort,” the DOH stated in its advisory.

The DOH offered the following advice on how to comfort pets during these celebrations:

* Bring your dog indoors during fireworks displays.

* Create a secure environment that mitigates the risk of them running away in fear.

* Utilize a crate if your dog is crate-trained or designate a quiet room with familiar items, such as music or white noise, to provide a comforting atmosphere.

* Use wraps or training pets to be slightly acclimated to loud noises.

“Explore the use of calming wraps, vests, or shirts, which apply gentle pressure and have been known to alleviate stress in many dogs,” the advisory continued.

The DOH added that owners could use tags to help find their pets if they run away. (With a report from Philippine Daily Inquirer)/PN