Joey’s Tuesday Tip – New Years Noise

By Scott Lackenby | Dated December 29, 2014

Hey everyone! Did you all have a great Christmas? I hope so. It’s a great time of year to spend with loved ones. I’ve been a busy Pymble Vet clinic cat keeping all of the cat Boarders in the cattery happy. It’s hard work socializing and chatting to everyone. But hopefully they have all been enjoying their stay with me.

Now that Christmas is done, you crazy humans start getting ready to celebrate New Years by having loud parties and letting off scary fireworks. I’ll never understand why you choose to celebrate with scary noises. While you are busy getting ready to enjoy the fireworks, there are thousands of us furries who are dreading the New Years celebrations. There are things you can do to help minimize the stress for your pet.
• For severe noise phobias, some animals need to be medicated. There are lots of options of sedatives for your pet and if you think this is an option for your pet, please give us a call to organize an appointment to discuss your options.
• There are artificial pheromones that mimic the pheromones secreted by mother animals to reassure her babies. There is one for dogs and one for cats and come in a plug in diffuser like an air fresher. We use the cat version in the cattery and it does help to alleviate the stress that some of the cats can feel from being in unfamiliar surroundings.
• There is a relatively new product on the market called a ‘Thundershirt’. It is a vest that the animal wears. It is like giving them a reassuring hug. Studies have shown that direct, gentle pressure on certain trigger points can help to alleviate anxiety in a little over 50% of animals.
• Create a safe place for your pet. A darkened room with soft background music can help to distract your pet. If you have a noise phobic animal, they may instinctively go to their safe spot. If this is the case, make sure their safe spot is free of clutter and other potential hazards.
• Make sure your pet has a microchip and that you have registered them with the council. If you have moved or changed your phone number, be sure to update your details. If your pet does get out during the celebrations, having correct contact details on their microchip helps to get them home to you quickly.

Hopefully these tips help you to help make this New Years less stressful for your 4legged friend. Well, better go and finish playing with, I mean helping with the Boarders. Meows for now, love Joey xoxo