The New Year is upon us, and every city in the country (especially Las Vegas!) is getting ready for the festivities. Even our beloved pets. But, to get serious here for a minute, most pets hate this day. Loud noises, funny smells, bright lights. Those things can freak out even the calmest of creatures. Especially if they’re not familiar.
So, unless you’re a fireworks technician with a pet who is used to it, there are a few things to consider. When it comes to your pet on New Year’s Eve, keep in mind this might be a day of celebration for you, but one of trauma for them. Here are a few tips to keep your pet calm and happy during fireworks, courtesy of HumaneSociety.org.
- Keep your pet a safe distance from fireworks. The best thing to do is to leave your pet inside the house, preferably with the television or radio on. This can help muffle the sounds of the explosions outside.
- Ask your vet for help if your pet really freaks out during the fireworks show. It’s not worth a pet getting so excitable that they have a heart attack or other health issue. Veterinarians have medications that can keep your pet calm during the show.
- Make sure your pet has their collar and ID tag on, even if they’re indoors pets. Fireworks can make animals do unpredictable things. If your pet is so scared and certain the scary noise is coming from inside, they might take drastic measures to get out. Including bolting out an open door or window. Make sure they’re easily identifiable so they can get home safely, should they escape.
Whatever you do, make sure your little fur baby is safe and calm. And make sure you keep an eye out for pet shenanigans on New Year’s too. Looks like some of these guys are getting a little crazy at midnight. –Wendy Rush
