Hey Woofa’s,

Happy Australia Day!!!!

WHAT IS AUSTRALIA DAY?

Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia, celebrated annually on 26 January each year.  It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships At Port Jackson, New South Wales and the rising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

However, to various Indigenous Australians (and those sympathetic to their cause) Australia Day is known as ‘Invasion Day’ or ‘Survival Day’!

This is as a protest to what they see as the celebration of an invasion of the continent by Europeans.  Currently, there are talks of actually changing the date but for now it’s still 26 January.

Compared to other Countries we are a young Country and we get it wrong sometimes.  The constant change in Leaders doesn’t help us either.

WHAT DOES AUSTRALIA DAY MEAN?

To most Australian’s it’s about celebrating the awesome Country in which we live.

Do we all love and agree with our Leaders, probably not!  But that doesn’t stop us from loving the actual Country.  We have great Weather, Beaches, Countryside, Cities, Culture, Food, Animals and much more.

The majority of people are friendly and would rather have a drink and a BBQ with you than fight you.

Some flock to the Cities for food, drinks, shows and fireworks, others flock to the beaches, and most flock to the nearest barbeque (BBQ) with family and friends.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH OUR FUR KIDS?

If the family is celebrating at home that’s where the fur kids will be, hanging around the BBQ just waiting for a sausage or steak to fall off the plate.

More and more beaches in Australia are dog friendly.  If the family celebrates at the beach that’s where the fur kids will be too.

In the Cities there are more and more cafes becoming Dog Friendly.  Even in the suburbs we’ve just had a new Dog Friendly Cafe open up!!!

If the family celebrates at their closest City, that’s where the fur kids will be too.

Or if the day ends up being a quiet day at home to just to stop and relax, guaranteed the fur kids will be right by your side.

No matter how you celebrate Australia Day our Fur Kids are included.

The only downside is for fur kids who are afraid of fireworks!!!   It seems there can’t be any major celebrations anymore without fireworks.

Tips on Keeping Our Dogs Safe This Australia Day!

1. Comfort

If you have to leave your dog at home, before you go out take them on a walk and make sure they are worn out and comfortable.

Put the TV on timer so an hour before the fireworks start the TV comes on with music or a TV show the family usually watches with the dog around.

Or put some music on Timer (not too loud) so it comes on before each firework display, it may help distract them.

If you’re home you could distract them by playing their favourite game during the fireworks, or just sit with them and comfort them.

Some dogs may get comfort from running around and barking at the sky when the fireworks are going off.  I say this because our neighbour’s dog does that.  This behaviour, while not ideal, comforts her in the moment until they stop.

2. Safe Place

It’s important that your fur babies have a safe place to go away from noise and anything that disturbs them during the celebrations.

Not only are fireworks in the main towns but locals can set them off in suburban streets which is much closer to home.

Dog’s react to the loud banging noise and the flickering lights, as well as the smoke smell.

Some of my customer’s talk about their dogs taking cover in their wardrobe while others hide under the bed.

If your dogs are outside give them shelter in kennels or bring their bedding in the laundry or garage if possible.  Somewhere, where they can feel safe.

If possible, it’s great if you can bring them inside with you just until the fireworks are over.

3. Security

If you’re going out for the day & night and you have outside dogs, make sure they can’t escape the yard.

Dogs that are frightened will become a bit manic and will try anything to get away from the noises.

It might be a good idea to put your dog’s collar on and make sure it has a tag with your phone number, just incase they do escape.

If your dog is frightened and they are inside, make sure there’s nothing sharp or dangerous that could harm them or they could use to harm themselves.

4. Shelter and Food

It goes without saying that your fur baby should be left with sufficient shelter from whatever whether you’re experiencing.

Also feed them before you go out, no matter what time of day it is because it’s a long day and evening to go without food.

Always leave fresh water out for them as well.  Probably best to have more than one water bowl placed around for them.

5. Pet Sitter

If your dog is manic about fireworks and you can’t stay home with them, then it might be a good idea to get a neighbour who is staying at home to check on them for you.

Or pre-arrange someone to come and sit with them for the duration of the fire works.  Local Papers or Council Websites will have times the fireworks will be let off.

If you have a large family you could nominate someone to stay home and take turns each year.

6. Roamers

If you happen to be out or at home and see another dog roaming scared, call them over (if you feel confident enough to).  Approach with caution.

Have a spare lead ready and try to comfort the dog.

Check to see if they have a collar and a tag with contact details.

If not, try local Facebook pages for lost and found pets or 24 hour vets in the area etc

If you can’t contact anyone straight away, try to keep the dog safe as possible, away from the roads even if you have to secure them in your front yard until you can contact someone.

Make sure you take turns in sitting with the dog so it doesn’t harm itself or try to get away again.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

On January 26 Aussies will (mostly) be celebrating Australia Day.

Our Dogs will as well.  Keep in mind though when the fireworks go off they may not be happy dogs any longer.

Take precautions so all can have fun celebrations.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW– BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW– HOW YOU’LL BE CELEBRATING Australia Day?

Cheers