translated from Spanish: Veterinary Medical College delivered pet recommendations per new year

The Veterinary Medical College gave a series of tips to people who have to spend the New Year’s parties with their pets. It’s a scene that repeats itself year after year: animals frightened by fireworks due to the loud noise they produce, rushing to shelter under beds, tables or even flee in fear trying to evade the fear caused by rumbles. But this year’s celebration for many will be different from the decision to suspend pyrotechnic shows in around 40 communes throughout Chile.María José Ubilla, veterinary physician and director of the Standing Committee on Responsible Tenure of Pets of the Veterinary Medical College – Colmevet, explained that “it is important to identify whether pyrotechnic deployment causes damage to each animal, because it could have lifelong consequences, even favoring the presentation of a behavioral disorder phobic type, which could be accompanied by other behavioral disturbances, such as compulsive disorders or generalized anxiety.” Ubilla indicated that it is not advisable to leave them at home alone at this time, much more so if they are animals that have previously manifested fears or phobias by loud noises. It also recommended that they not be exposed to crowds, whether in open or enclosed spaces, as in these they are faced with annoying stimuli and during the day, there is also the risk of exposing them to high temperatures, which further affects the animal and could cause it to heatstroke. The professional was also emphatically in emphasizethat pets are quite affected at parties, as well as fireworks, with the eating disorders typical of this time full of celebrations. That is why the recommendation is to take care of them by giving them their food at the usual schedule and keep them hydrated with clean and fresh water. He also suggested that if he is going out by now and is planning to take the pet, “it should be considered that cats tend to feel much more comfortable staying at home but, to do so, it is essential to leave them responsible for their care” , commenting that today there are veterinary doctors perform ‘pet sitter’. In the case of dogs, the doctor noted that she “will depend on whether they are used to travel and whether they are properly used to new places.” However, he cautioned that the same considerations of prevention of fears and phobias should be had if there are activities of pyrotechnics or loud noises in the place of vacation, preparing a safe and calm environment (a space to shelter is essential you assimilate a cave, such as a transport box, plastic house, cardboard box); promoting physical activity before midnight, and containing the pet in case he manifests fear.

Original source in Spanish