I still hope someone will come with an idea of silent fireworks... someday, perhaps

As for the lack of rain, it's raining here since yesterday evening.

Linked on the 'Weather' thread, but worth posting here as well:

This site lists the current fire ban situation (which includes fireworks) by canton, updated as each canton issues new information:

http://www.waldbrandgefahr.ch/en/for...ent-situation/

Keep an eye on your local situation as 1 August approaches...

Does Cantonal ban mean even the public fireworks will be cancelled? For eg. the ones in Interlaken ?

Not necessarily. Most public displays will go ahead as they are closely monitored by the local fire service. It's worth checking up beforehand though.
The cantonal bans usually refer to private, non-supervised fireworks and fires.

I think that will depend on the canton. In Solothurn they are saying that if there is a firework ban, the city display will still go ahead as it is supervised and they can involve the fire brigade to ensure that nothing happens.

I think most cantons are making their decisions on Monday.

Now I'm wondering if people will shoot fireworks anyway or if the police takes it seriously and will enforce the ban...

Not really about the weather to ban fire works, but a few yrs ago a few of us drove to a field to set fireworks off so we wouldn't wake the neighbours kids. After about 10 mins the police arrived and told us off so yes the police take it seriously

The SZ ban was lifted yesterday afternoon... and the fireworks started about 2 minutes later.

With 1 August a Saturday this year, plus pent-up demand as a reaction to the possibility of a ban, we will likely have fireworks for 4-5 days straight*.

Random booms started at 8AM this morning... going to be a loooooong week.





*No, that's not legal. Fireworks are still restricted to 1 August. But every year it's the same story, the restrictions are blithely ignored, without consequences. Without consequences to the humans who break the law, that is - the poor animals, livestock and pets, suffer the consequences.

Lucky for us the restrictions are still in place in Neuchatel so we'll be ok although we haven't really had any issues with them in previous years around here.

Only official firework displays and private ones let off in specially designated areas are allowed so there won't be any random bangs going off around here.

We closed all the doors and blinds. Listening to dog relaxation playlist on YouTube. It works for us so you can give it a try too:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...YL5bmukhGw6V-v

I also sewed a thundershirt. Will see if it works.

Time to bring this thread back up, as a heads-up for all pet owners new to Switzerland this year.

1 August is rapidly approaching. If your pets have trouble with fireworks you still have a little time to think about how you can best help them through the day.

May all y'all - humans and all creatures great and small - have an enjoyable and safe 1 August.

Here in Locarno it gets crazy. One of my chihuahuas is terrified of fireworks. I have tried everything from natural remedies, to tight thundershirts, to actual sedatives, nothing has worked. This year I decided the only solution is to leave the country. I am going to spend a few days in Berlin with my daughter. Should be fun.

I hope the rest of you get to enjoy the festivities.

HI Guys ,w e moved to Leimbach , Zurich, would you know if it is really loud here on the 1st of August,
Our Golden Retriever Muffin - really gets upset, I remember her being in a state of shock for New year Eve... poor baby

Lewa be aware that in addition to public displays, people will be setting off firecrackers in their own homes all day long. Some neighborhoods won't be too bad - and some will sound and look like a scene from 'Apocalypse Now'. It's really varies from neighborhood to neighborhood.

If your dog is frightened you should start preparing now. Have you done desensitization and/or counterconditioning work with her in the past? If so, some refresher work would likely be a good thing now.

Look around your home, look for a safe spot where noise and flashing lights can be minimized. An interior room, pull the blinds, etc. Where is your dog most comfortable?

I would advise dog owners not leave a frightened dog alone during the day. Stay home with your dog, even if it means skipping parties. Some dog owners I know do shifts - one partner stays home while the other goes to an early party, thenthey switch so for a later party. That way both get a taste of the day's celebrations without leaving the dog alone.

It is generally recommended against taking a reactive or fearful dog to parties or crowded gatherings, as chances are that there will be fireworks at random times.

Take your dog on a good long hike early in the day to tire him out - but do so on lead, as even in the early morning children might be setting off firecrackers. The unexpected boom during an otherwise quiet time can make a dog bolt.

Whenever you take your dog outside to piddle during the day also do so only on lead. Every year dogs get spooked and run away - and some sadly do not make it back.

Common sense is called for - take your dog out, give him sufficient exercise, but do so early and safely.

The 'real' fireworks usually starts in the early evening, things get louder around 20:00, building up to a crescendo from 22:00-midnight. Public displays are usually later in the evening, check your Gemeinde for information for your area. Most fireworks stop around 1AM, but there might be random explosions on through the night.

Ask your dog-owning neighbors what to expect in your neighborhood.

Also be aware that the smell of smoke tends to linger into the next day. Some dogs associate the smell with the fear of the previous day and refuse to go out, so be prepared to help your dog if that is the case.

Some owners use medication to help their dogs in case of extreme fear, fear to the point where the dog is in danger of self harm or collapse. Whether this is appropriate for your dog is a decision only you and your vet can make together. If you decide to go that route, do not medicate a dog and then leave him alone. Some dogs can have averse reactions.

By the way, do ask your vet what emergency hours / coverage will be over the holiday, or make sure you know where the nearest emergency clinic is. Hopefully you will not need it, hopefully that is only OTT preparation - but best to have that info to hand just in case.

Hopefully your neighborhood celebrations won't cause your dog too much anxiety, and hopefully you can enjoy the day as well yourself.

Wishing you and your pooch a happy and safe 1 August.

thanks for great tips!!!

An excellent article from Hundeherz discussing how to prepare, and how to help your dog through the day:

http://www.hundeherz.ch/fachbeitrag/...ugust-mit-hund

In German, and frankly too long to translate here - but the article stresses desensitizing and counter conditioning, talks about safety measures, talks about relaxation techniques such as TTouch, as well as talks about how to occupy your dog with 'brain training' games during the day. Remember that a good mental work out is more tiring than a physical one.

Well worth reading.

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And an FYI: many training schools or clubs have been/will be doing 'Coping with 1 August' themes in the lead up to the holiday. If you have a dog with extreme fear, don't be shy of seeking support from a good trainer or Hundeschule.

The only option for us is to take the most sensitive dogs to Germany. We would all go if we could find somewhere that would take all two and four legged beings.

New Year's Eve is not as bad as August 1 as the noise is restricted to a specific time.

I'm blessed with two cats who love fireworks and thunderstorms (yep, as bonkers as their human), but my sister's dog was always terrified. The aforementioned Thundershirt worked well, as did Bach Rescue drops and doing the best not to encourage the nervous behaviour. Some people decamp to the cellar or go hiking to remote places (avoid central Switzerland) to avoid the noise of the pyrofest.

Best of luck to all the owners with nervous pets, must be stressful.

We will see what we will do, as our dog gets upset , well cellar is an idea as well , hope it all goes well for her .
I am happy your cats are ok with the fireworks

Another heads-up: Given that 1 August is a Monday this year, I'd expect that there will be personal fireworks parties over much of weekend as well.

Random explosions today - resulting in a lapful of quivering jellyfish Heffalump - reminded me that it might be a looooooooooooong weekend coming up.