HONOLULU (KHON2) — The night that many Hawaii pet owners dread has finally arrived and experts have some last minute tips for furry family members.
Others add that the loud explosions are not just stressful for dogs and cats.
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The Hawaiian Humane Society said missing animals being turned into their shelters on New Year’s Eve is a common problem, but engaging a pets’ mind and body before the bombs go off can go a long way.
“Now is the right time to break out the feather wand for your cats, take your dogs out for a really long walk, get them physically tired and then give them some mental stimulation at home,” said Brandy Shimabukuro, Hawaiian Humane Society communications manager, “so that when those fireworks pop off and we know that that’s going to happen tonight, they’re at least at a point where they’re a little bit more fatigued.”
Loud explosions can also result in what is referred to as acoustic trauma in children. Pediatricians said keiki are more at risk for conditions like tinnitus.