5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE IN A PROTEST

With Nigeria experiencing the worst economic decline, inflation, and general hardship, there is an outcry for the government to take action and improve the lives of its citizens. To make their voices heard, Nigerian youths have decided to embark on a nationwide 10 Days of Rage protest, encouraging youths to take to the streets and voice their grievances demanding justice.

Mass protests have long been a fundamental method for the public to express dissatisfaction with government policies or to sway public opinion. For Nigerians, however, youth-led protests such as the #EndSARS protest of October 2020 have often ended in the destruction of property and loss of lives.

Source: nairaland.com - Endsars-lekki-protesters-took-dogs

Understanding that pets are more than family, accompanying and supporting their owners without question, it is crucial to protect them during such turbulent times. Sadly, on protest grounds, most animal companions end up as casualties.

Here are five ways to keep your pets safe during a protest:

1. Stock Up on Treats

Even a well-trained dog will not understand why everyone is screaming and might get scared of the crowd and the frenzy associated with protests. Even a peaceful protest can be very stressful for dogs. It is advisable to reduce anxiety in your dogs by speaking calmly to them and reassuring them with treats.

2. Prepare for Weather Extremes

It is not advisable to stay out for long hours with your pet. If you want to take your pet out during a protest, it is best to go in the morning and come back before the sun is at its peak or later in the day when the sun is setting. Regardless of the length of time you participate in an outdoor activity like a protest, prepare for weather extremes such as rain or scorching sun. Stock up on water in hot weather and get a raincoat for your pet if it is rainy.

3. Medication History

Taking a young or adult pet who has not completed their vaccines or routine medication to a place where other dogs with unknown medical records will be present is a huge red flag as your dog might get infected. Make sure your dog is trained to not eat or pick stuff from the floor and is properly medicated. Also, ensure your pet stays on a leash and keeps a healthy distance from other dogs while at the protest grounds.

4. Proper Identification

Your dog should wear a tag with their name, your name, and your address. It helps to wear your pets a body brace (harness/vest) that has pockets where you can put in a paper with information about their medical history and your contact address. This will come in handy should you get separated from your pet.

5. Emergency Preparedness

The reason kids are not encouraged to participate in protests is the same reason people frown at dogs being a part of protests. However, dogs, like kids at protest grounds, are symbolic of the peaceful intention of the people’s demonstration. Many protests might start off peaceful only to end up disrupted by thugs or policemen spraying tear gas, teasing, or shooting at people. The best thing to do if your dog gets exposed to tear gas is to get to a veterinarian immediately. If that's not immediately possible, flush the pet's eyes out with a sterile saline solution, available at drug stores. However, if your dog gets shot or tasered, seeking the immediate assessment and medical attention of a veterinarian is imperative.

Summary

Protests are important expressions of democratic freedom but can be unpredictable and chaotic. Keeping your pets safe indoors away from the protest grounds is the best way to ensure their safety. However, if you are eager to take your pets along with you to the protest grounds, it is imperative to make sure they are well-fed and calmed with treats, prepare for weather extremes, take only pets with up-to-date medical records, ensure they have proper identification, and be prepared for unforeseen emergencies.

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