But not for all

AS part of many families in Guyana and around the world, dogs and other pet animals play a vital role in the whole setting. Dogs especially can be found as part of a very large number of families globally, while many of them can be seen almost everywhere – in the streets and within the neighbourhoods.

However, dogs and those who have adopted them as family or friends have some serious problems to deal with, especially at Christmas time, New Year’s Eve and generally during the festive season. The same problem is quite evident at Diwali and other such occasions where fireworks are involved.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR FEARS
“Basically, because dog’s ears are much, much more sensitive than ours, they could hear sounds that we don’t hear, so the loud bangs and vibrations generated by explosions are over-stimulations for their sensitive ears, so it is painful to them,” one of Guyana’s renowned Veterinarians, Dr. Nicholas Waldron explained in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

He said that the consequences are that some of them would try to escape the loud sounds and because of fear a lot of them even run under kennels. In addition, some of the dogs try to run into the house and might even become aggressive when their owners try to handle them, by snapping at them or trying to bite them.
Dr. Waldron further explained that many of the dogs run out unto to road and get knocked down; some even get injured on or stuck in fences with sharp edges as they try to escape the noise.

“Once on the road, they become a traffic hazard; they become a hazard to people who are scared of dogs and might react in a fearful manner towards them and therefore people too may end up getting injured,” he said. “These dogs might end up getting into fights with seasoned stray dogs and then they get injured that way; they may get stolen or never find their way back home, which is anguish for both them, as well as their owners who lose them.”

Dr. Waldron said that as a result of many of the dogs going astray because of explosive noises that caused them to escape, a lot of them end up in mating situations, which result in puppies, who once they survive result in many more stray dogs on the streets.
He noted also that many of the dogs can develop mange (which is a type of disease of the skin caused by parasitic mites); have ticks; have venereal disease from being ‘out of circle’, remarking that generally, the problems are as he termed them, ‘multi-sided’.
“It’s not just the dogs and domestic pets; if you look up into the night sky when these squibs are going off you will see all the birds that were resting flying around- all animals are affected. I have seen cases of horses stampeding down the East Coast road because of the squibs,” he stated.

GENERATING THE MOST FEAR
Many current veterinary studies have concurred with the information offered by Dr. Waldron’s on the dogs’ reaction to fireworks. In fact, a 2013 study by the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences found fireworks were the most common trigger for fearful behaviour in dogs. Some of the responses by the dogs included trembling, shaking, hiding, seeking comfort, destruction, urination (on self) and salivation (excessive saliva formed in and around their mouths) and many other reactions.

César Millán Favela, a Mexican-American dog behaviourist with over 25 years of canine experience stated, “It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid; running away from the noise is a survival instinct.”

He said that to the dog, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunder; noting that fireworks are closer to the ground, more vibrant, and are accompanied by sudden booms, flashes and burning smells and dogs experience the world through their senses — nose, eyes, ears, stating that such loud noises can be overwhelming to them.

At the same time, it is suggested that having the dog exercise before the start of the fireworks help. In addition, keeping the dogs indoors and if possible in your presence would also help, especially if you are willing to comfort them in every way possible.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Meanwhile, Dr. Waldron told the Pepperpot Magazine that his message to members of the public at this time is one of peace and goodwill to all. He noted that while it is illegal to sell the fireworks and the squibs and also to possess them, “The problem is we don’t seem to be able to enforce it or we are a bit lax on enforcement because it is a tradition. So we could only ask people to have fun, to be considerate of other people and of the animals because these devices injure people as well. So have your fun, celebrate your holiday; be considerate and be safe,” he appealed. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)