Pets need special protection to begin the New Year without too much fear and stress in countries like the Netherlands where fireworks play a big part in the celebrations. Today, the main Dutch animal protection organisation (Dierenbescherming) has launched a media campaign giving information about how to help them.

Humans may enjoy fireworks, but animals are scared by them because they hear the bangs much louder than we do but at the same time are not able to understand all the din, gunpowder smell and repeated flashes.

Tips

• Gradually accustom your pet to fireworks by using one of the special CDs that are available.

• Take a firework course at a dog school. Make sure to enrol in time.

• Using sedatives is not advisable. The animal ends up sedated but its hearing remains as acute as ever. Sometimes, in fact, sedatives only make them more susceptible to sounds.

• On New Year's Eve, take your dog for a walk, on a lead, before 10 p.m.

• Keep cats inside, making sure all entrances, windows and doors are closed.

• Delay their evening meal. This makes them hungrier and less attentive to the fireworks.

• Allow your pet to find its own spot at home where it feels comfortable.

• Close the curtains, keep the lights on and switch on the radio or television to help block outside noises.

• Make sure your pet has been microchipped and is wearing its tag so it can be easily traced in case it runs away.

• Don't console your pet too much. This only reinforces their sense that something is wrong and its fear is appropriate. Behave as normally as possible.

• Don't punish them for showing signs of fear.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide