How can you help your pet deal with stress caused by shelling and air raid sirens?
27.07.2023
Our animals and we have been subjected to numerous emergencies since the beginning of the war. When pets repeatedly hear strange noises, such as air raid sirens and explosions, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. It causes a wide range of health problems, the consequences of which are complicated to deal with. The charitable foundation Direct Inclusion will provide instructions on protecting animals from enemy fire and calming them down when they are anxious.
No fuss
Although challenging, you should avoid making unnecessary movements under stress. The animal may become anxious if you fuss. Dogs start to bark, cats hide, and birds start chirping. Due to this, everyone nearby is stressed out, which only worsens the already unpleasant situation. Once you are in a safe location, take a deep breath and move more slowly.
Physical interaction is crucial
In dire circumstances, some pets need your love. Try to pet the animal and stroke his ears. Moreover, you can cover your four-legged friend for 10 to 15 minutes with slightly tight clothing. Experts say it slows animals down and helps them feel their bodies. But remember that not all pets are tactile and will let you touch them in tense circumstances.
Not every animal needs to be taken to a shelter
Every pet has a unique defense mechanism. In other words, this is a person for dogs; for cats, this is their home territory. Observing how the animal reacts to being in the shelter is crucial to avoid stress. If you notice dilated pupils, aggression, excessive salivation, irregular heartbeat, etc., it is best to leave the pet home the next time. Make the tray, food, and water available. It is also necessary to consider options for evacuating the animal from the room in an emergency.
Hold the leash firmly
If you are outside when the explosions occur, hold the leash firmly in your hands because the animal may become frightened and attempt to flee. While heading to the shelter, keep your pet in your arms or call it to follow you. Once you have reached a safe location, try to distract the animal by playing with it or feeding it some treats to help calm down faster.
The charitable foundation Direct Inclusion advises animal owners to create an Animal ID. Even if your four-legged friend separates from you due to explosions, you can locate him quickly.