On Midnight to celebrate the New Year many will be setting off fireworks, so please think of your pets and animals around you.
Every year the GSPCA are called out and receive stray dogs and cats during periods of fireworks, which have either escaped or run off due to being scared by the loud bangs they make.
Sadly less than 45% of the stray dogs and cats are microchipped that are found as strays and brought to the GSPCA, and even less have collars with tags.
At the GSPCA for only £4.99 you can get your dog or cat microchipped. We can do this Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm, although we do appreciate a call to let us know you would like to have your pet chipped as it can help speed the process which only takes a few minutes.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "Every year at the GSPCA during the days when fireworks are used we see an increase in stray dogs that have escaped from the garden or run off from an owner due to the loud noises scaring them."
"When we get a stray dog or cat in at the Shelter the first thing we do after ensuring the animal is healthy is to check if it has a microchipp, but unfortunately less than half the stray dogs and cats we receive each year are chipped."
"At the GSPCA to microchip your dog or cat it is only £4.99."
"At the Shelter we also have helpful leaflets and products to help your dogs and cats through the fireworks."
"This New Year please think of your pets and animals around you."
Here is additional advice regarding fireworks -
Help us to continue to keep them safe!
Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.
GSPCA Firework Advice
Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.
The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.
Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
Walk your dog during the day.
As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.
Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building.
Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Feliway and ADAPTIL are pheromones used in many kennels and are very popular products with many to help settle animals in a number of circumstances.
Adaptil is a synthetic copy of the natural comforting pheromone released by a mother dog to reassure her puppies.
Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure.
ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.
The GSPCA Ceva Product Price List is as follows -
ADAPTIL DIFFUSER £16.50
ADAPTIL PHEROMONE REFILL £12.00
ADAPTIL SPRAY 60ML £12.50
ADAPTIL COLLAR MEDIUM/LARGE DOG 70CM £15.00
ADAPTIL COLLAR PUPPIES/SMALL DOGS 45CM 1 £15.00
FELIWAY SPRAY 60ML £12.50
FELIWAY DIFFUSER 48ML £16.50
FELIWAY REFILL 48ML £12.00
LOGIC ORAL GEL 70G £7.00
**Prices are correct as of 1st November 2014**
Our reception and shop area is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm (Closed Bank Holidays and Sundays)
To find out about our Bonfire Dog Friendly Fun Family Evening & BBQ Thursday 13th November with the GSPCA & KGV please click here
For advice on caring for your pets during the fireworks please click here.
Here is some additional information and videos to help you through the next few weeks with your dog and cat:
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
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