How to help pets have a cracker of an Australia Day

Pets and fireworks don’t go off together with a bang.

That’s the message from the Town of Port Hedland and local veterinarians when the night sky will be transformed into a sea of colour for the Australia Day extravaganza at Kevin Scott Oval.

Pet owners are being advised to keep their pets indoors to prevent any risk of them escap-ing, and create a comfortable space in the house to keep them calm.

South Hedland Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Dr Charlotte Krisanski said the hospital received between two and three phone calls every year on Australia Day.

She said pets which were “extremely terrified” were often provided with anxiety tablets for situations such as fireworks and thunderstorms.

“We’ve had a few animals over the past years who have made major damages to themselves, by jumping, or trying to jump, fences,” she said. Dr Krisanski said if possible, pets should always be kept inside with the television on and music playing to drown out the noise of the fireworks.

Port Hedland Vet Hospital veterinarian Dr Richard Knight encouraged pet owners to call for advice before Australia Day if they had any concerns.

Dr Knight said it was important, particularly for people who did not know about the fireworks, to seek advice from professionals.

He said people were often unaware of the impact fireworks had on animals, as loud noises could have long-term effects.

He said about 90 per cent of pets could cope with being kept inside with something to muffle out the noise.

“It’s different right across the board,” he said. “Some dogs love it, they will sit with you and have a smile on their face.”

The Town of Port Hedland fireworks will start at 8pm on Thursday after local band Kaadence perform on the main stage.