Countdown to Cuddles: Pet Safety Tips for a Stress-Free New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve can be a stressful time for pets, particularly due to loud noises from fireworks, parties, and the general hustle and bustle of celebrations. As much as humans enjoy ringing in the new year, our furry friends can often find it overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to keep your pets safe and comfortable during the festivities.
Create a Safe and Quiet Space
One of the best things you can do for your pet on New Year’s Eve is to create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat to if they become stressed.
Choose an Interior Room: Pick a room away from windows where the noise of fireworks and parties will be less audible. A room in the centre of the house is usually best, as it's furthest from the noise.
Close Curtains and Blinds: Close windows, blinds, or curtains to block out the flashing lights and sounds of fireworks.
Provide Comfort Items: Place their favourite blanket, bed, or toys in the room to provide comfort and familiarity.
Soothing Music or White Noise: Consider playing soft music or leaving the TV on to help mask outside noises. There are also apps or playlists specifically designed to calm anxious pets.
Use Calming Products
There are various products that can help reduce anxiety in pets, particularly if they are sensitive to loud noises.
Calming Diffusers: These are calming diffusers that release scents designed to reduce stress in dogs and cats.
ThunderShirt: A ThunderShirt or similar compression garment applies gentle pressure to your pet’s body, which can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of security.
Calming Treats or Supplements: Consider giving your pet calming treats or supplements like CBD oil (if appropriate and vet-approved) or products containing valerian root, chamomile, or L-theanine to reduce stress.
Aromatherapy: Some pets respond well to calming scents like lavender. Be cautious with essential oils, however, as some can be toxic to pets (e.g., tea tree oil). Always use pet-safe products.
Keep Pets Indoors and Secure
On New Year’s Eve, it’s important to keep pets indoors and secure.
No Outdoor Time at Midnight: Fireworks typically peak at midnight, and animals can be startled or even panic when outside. Ensure your pet is safely inside before the celebrations begin.
Check Fencing: If your dog has access to an outdoor area, check your yard for escape routes. Panic-stricken pets may try to flee from loud noises, and if they do escape, they may run into traffic or get lost.
Leash and Collar: If you need to take your dog outside for a bathroom break during the evening, always have them on a leash and ensure they are wearing their collar with ID tags. Microchips are also a good backup in case they run off.
Manage Firework Fear
Fireworks are one of the biggest triggers for anxiety in pets. Here’s how to manage it:
Stay Calm: Your pet may look to you for reassurance, so try to stay calm. If you react to the fireworks with anxiety, your pet may become more anxious themselves.
Desensitisation (Long-Term): If your pet is terrified of fireworks, you might want to gradually desensitise them over time by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and pairing it with treats or positive reinforcement. However, this method requires months of practice, so it's best to focus on managing the noise for this year’s festivities.
Distraction: Distract your pet with a toy, puzzle, or treat-dispensing game to take their mind off the fireworks.
Avoid Parties and Crowds
If you're hosting or attending a New Year’s Eve party, keep in mind that loud music, unfamiliar people, and chaotic environments can be stressful for pets.
Designated Pet-Free Zone: If your pet is nervous around crowds or strangers, it’s a good idea to keep them in a quiet room away from the festivities.
Party Snacks: Be mindful of food and drink that may be harmful to pets. Ensure that guests keep alcoholic beverages and human foods (especially chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic) away from pets. If you’re hosting a party, consider posting a sign in the party area to remind people to be cautious with food and drinks around your pets.
Monitor Pets Around Fireworks: If you’re going out to watch fireworks or attend a public event, leave your pets at home in a quiet space. Some animals may even escape from their crate or home when they hear fireworks, so ensure they are safe and secure inside.
Exercise Early
Pets may have more energy than usual, especially if they are already feeling anxious. Try to exercise your pet earlier in the day so they are calmer and more relaxed come evening time.
Long Walk or Play Session: Take your dog for a longer walk or play session earlier in the day to help burn off excess energy. A tired pet is generally a calmer pet.
Indoor Play: For cats, indoor play can help release pent-up energy. Use interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers to tire them out.
Keep an Eye on Pets Post-Fireworks
Once the fireworks are over, some pets may be shaken or act out of character. Be extra vigilant:
Check for Injuries: Make sure your pet hasn’t injured themselves in their panic (scrapes, sprains, or a hurt paw from trying to escape).
Extra TLC: Give them some extra love and reassurance, especially if they seem scared or anxious.
Monitor for Stress: If your pet’s anxiety lingers after New Year’s Eve, try to keep their routine as normal as possible and give them lots of attention. If their behaviour doesn’t improve in the coming days, or if you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet.
Consider Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
If you’ll be out for a long period on New Year’s Eve or need to go to a party, consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker. This professional can help provide your pets with comfort and companionship while you’re away, especially during times of stress like fireworks. Here at Happy Hounds we always make sure your pet is safe and secure.
Pet Sitter for the Night: A sitter can stay with your pet in your home, ensuring they’re not alone during the most stressful part of the evening.
Dog Walker: If your pet is used to regular walks and needs a break from the noise, having a dog walker who knows how to manage anxious dogs may help.
After Midnight: Relaxation Time
Once the fireworks are over, keep the atmosphere calm. Your pet may still be feeling the effects of the noise and may need some time to settle down.
Quiet Time: Turn off loud music or TV and keep the lights dim. Sit with your pet and pet them gently to offer reassurance.
Cozy Up Together: Sometimes, all a pet needs is their owner’s presence. Consider sitting with your pet, offering treats or a favourite toy, and ensuring they feel safe and loved as the night winds down.
Keep Contact Information Updated
In case your pet does escape or something unexpected happens, it’s always good to have up-to-date contact information:
Ensure Your Pet’s ID Tags Are Visible: Double-check that your dog’s collar has ID tags with your current contact details.
Microchip: Ensure your pet is microchipped, and your contact information is up to date in the database.
While New Year’s Eve can be a fun and exciting time for us, it’s important to remember that it can be a stressful event for our pets. By creating a calm environment, using calming products, keeping your pets indoors, and taking extra precautions, you can help ensure that your furry companions are safe and stress-free as you ring in the new year.
If your pet shows signs of severe anxiety or stress that persists, consult your veterinarian about further options to help them cope with noise phobia. Here's to a safe, happy, and comfortable New Year for you and your pets! 🎉🐾