Fireworks and thunderstorms

New Year, summer festivals and storms: how to reduce fear and prevent escapes.

What to do, step by step

1. 1Before: confirm the microchip is registered with your current contact in SIAC and the collar has a tag; these are the nights most animals run away.
2. 2Walk the dog before dusk and close doors, windows, shutters and the garden gate; cats stay indoors.
3. 3Prepare a refuge: an inner room with the bed, toys, music or TV to muffle the sound, and an open carrier for cats.
4. 4During: stay close, calm and normal; do not force cuddles or punish. Offer a chew toy or a sniffing game to distract.
5. 5If the fear is intense every year, talk to the vet or a trainer about desensitisation and, if needed, medication — never on your own.

Useful contacts

• SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia

  Mandatory registration of dogs, cats and ferrets; microchip lookup.
  Open
• IPMA — Avisos meteorológicos

  Extreme heat, thunderstorm and storm warnings.
  Open

• Travelling with your petCar, train, plane and borders: documents, microchip, rabies vaccine and comfort during the...
• Heatwave: protecting your pet from the heatWalks, water, shade, hot pavement and the car: the rules for days of extreme heat.

General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.