Guide
New Year's Eve with a dog: how to avoid a nervous breakdown
by Anne Fischer
How to protect our four-legged friends from firecrackers on 1 August
26.7.2018
Translation: machine translated
Fireworks are a must on the bank holidays. Children love the spectacle, teenagers have fun with the lighters and parents enjoy the festive atmosphere. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, don't appreciate the noise. Here's what you can do.
Every year on 1 August, the Swiss sky lights up with green sparks, bright stars and multicoloured fireballs. As if New Year's fireworks weren't enough, noise-sensitive animals also have to endure the explosions of firecrackers on the umpteenth anniversary of the Rütli oath. Being mainly preoccupied with the noise, they can't really enjoy the light show.
One man's misfortune is another man's misfortune
Not all humans enjoy the show either. One of my colleagues, who arrived in Switzerland as a war refugee, isolates herself as far as possible from populated areas on 1 August. This is not because she has not integrated well, but because the firecrackers, rockets and other fireworks remind her of the war, which she herself experienced. Twice a year, recalls that feeling of not knowing if you'll still be alive tomorrow, it's not exactly a picnic.
Personally, I'm not much for fireworks. I'd rather spend my money on a nice meal, a holiday, new parts for my PC or even sweets. What's more, I've always had a problem with explosions: when I was a baby, a balloon exploded very close to my ear in the pushchair - a traumatic event that still haunts me sometimes. I put myself in our pets' shoes and can well imagine how they must feel. Here I explain how to help your fur balls.
Wrapped up against stress
The "Karma Wrap" is a vest that you can put on your dog. According to the manufacturer, it is said to reduce your dog's stress and fear in 85% of cases. The special wrapping technique, also known as "swaddling", should give your dog the sensation of being cuddled and cradled like a baby. During fireworks, for example, this calms the dog. "Karma Wrap" can also be used to relieve fear of separation, anxiety when travelling, in the car, visiting the vet or moving house. To prevent your dog from vomiting, barking, hiding, trembling, biting or starting to bark in a panic situation, the anti-stress vest is a good solution. [[productlist:9243703]]
A reassuring scent
I have a diffuser like this at home, but it's there to keep mosquitoes away. My cat knows no fear! As he doesn't really feel attacked during fireworks, he doesn't run and hide under the sofa. But if your cat is frightened by the noise, this diffuser should work wonders. It diffuses facial pheromones, normally transmitted by the cat's facial glands to its environment. The cat then feels soothed, in familiar territory. Cats generally use this scent to mark a small area where they feel safe and comfortable. If your cat's area isn't big enough, you can help him with this diffuser. Pheromones are odourless to humans. According to the manufacturer, one diffuser will cover an area of 50 to 70 m² for four weeks. This product can also be used to control marking by urine or scratches, during a move or renovation work, but also during transport and when the cat is boarding. There is also a similar product for dogs in collar form which has the same effects. [[productlist:6200615,8906847]]
One pill and it's over
Thanks to a blend of flower essences, Dr Bach's lozenges are a great help in stressful and emergency situations. SOS lozenges are made from a flower extract, contain no alcohol and should be administered once or twice an hour as needed. They are effective for dogs and cats. If your pet refuses to swallow them, you can hide them in its food or in a treat. The same kind of lozenges are available for humans - they can help in emergency situations or when you're feeling unwell. [[productlist:6199396]]
More than a drop in the ocean
Pet lozenges are also available in drop form. This can be a good alternative for animals that refuse to swallow pills or lozenges. The drops also contain soothing Bach flower extracts. For a small dog or cat who is anxious or sensitive to noise, it's best to administer the drops 14 days before the event. Yes, yes... I know it's a bit late for that - but better late than never. Give him drops three times a day and your pet should have as good a time as you did on August 1. [[productlist:6199384]]
Like a lullaby
The RelaxoPet set's sound module developed especially for sensitive dogs and cats should, according to the manufacturer, soothe your furball. Sound waves are sent into your pet's ear, which is sensitive to high frequencies, and are supposed to put him into a state of intense relaxation. These frequencies are almost inaudible to humans and have no harmful side-effects on your pets. The little box can follow you on your travels, thanks to its specially adapted accessories. The DVD also included explains step-by-step how to calm your pet and get over its fear of fireworks. [[productlist:6318616,6318615]]
Header image: Fireworks are rarely a pleasure for our furry friends.
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
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