Sunday, December 30, 2012

New Year's Eve Pet Safety Tips: Fireworks and Pets Don't Mix

Soon, the new year will be upon us. On New Year's Eve, fireworks will be heard popping and crackling in rural areas and maybe even some neighborhoods. Most pets do not take kindly to fireworks. Some will even get scared and run away. My dog tries to be brave and wants to bite the fireworks... which is a pretty dangerous habit. No matter the reaction to fireworks by your pet, they usually are less than desirable. Here are a couple of tips that you can follow to help calm your dog, cat, or other pet this New Year's Eve.

Photo: Vironeveah

  • Keep your pets indoors! There is less chance that your pet will run away if they are kept inside in a nice, warm and cozy area that makes them feel safe. Many pets become anxious and scared when they hear fireworks popping outside. Try playing some nice music or put on some good doggy or kitty TV for them to listen to in the background instead of fireworks. 
  • Ask your veterinarian for medication. Some animals have extreme cases of anxiety when it comes to fireworks. Many people prepare for holidays like New Year's Eve and Independence Day by asking their vet to prescribe something to help calm their pet. Usually, a medication that mildly sedates dogs and cats called acepromazine can be prescribed. You could also try a little bit of benadryl. 
  • If you must take your pet outside, keep them leashed or confined. A couple of animals are curious and want to "get" the fireworks like my dog who insists on trying to bite them while they are going off. I have learned that it's better for her to stay in, but if this isn't an option for you then just keep your dog on a leash with a good fitting collar. I have watched dogs slip out of their collars time and time again because most people do not put them on tight enough.

New Year's Eve can also be a time where people are having parties with lots of guests and good things to eat and drink. If you're having a New Year's celebration at your house this year, here are some more tips on ways to help keep your furry or feathery friends safe. 

Photo: pmarkham
  • Keep your pets safe in their own area. I know you want all of your guests to see how cute Fido and Fluffy look, but in the best interest of your pet you should probably confine them to their own special area with plenty of water, toys, and treats to keep them occupied. This will also prevent any unwanted breakouts from guests who might leave the front door open accidentally. 
  • Don't let your pet drink alcohol! If your going to be drinking on New Year's Eve, then be sure to keep your alcoholic beverages out of the reach of your pet's curious tongues. Alcohol is toxic to animals. 
  • Watch what your pet eats. Treats are fun and fine in moderation. Too many table scraps could make your pet's tummy upset however and possibly cause pancreatitis. Ask your guests not to feed your pets any table scraps. 

I hope all my friends out there have a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration! May 2013 be a grand year for you and your family! 

19 comments:

  1. We are going to turn the TV up and I am going to hide behind the sofa till it is over. I don't like the big booms at all. Have a super Sunday.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. Aww poor Molly... hope that it ends quickly for you!

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  2. Good tips, I hate the fireworks!
    Cotton

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  3. Great suggestions today Ann. We live next to a college that sets off fireworks many times a year and they are so close the sparks land in our yard. Over time Gizmo has gotten somewhat used to them in that he doesn't shake anymore but I always keep him safely indoors till they're done

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    1. Wow, that is pretty close... I also live next door to a baseball park that has fireworks every Friday during the summer. The noise gets Shiner worked up a little bit if she hears it. Thankfully we aren't that close to the field like you though.

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  4. Lee hates fireworks. Our Loki did too. Our Gemini never seemed to notice them, and Phod doesn't love them but doesn't hate them. We keep our pups inside when they are going off!

    Great reminder!

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  5. Mollie hates fireworks, thunder anything that bangs..Now Alf's not bothered :) xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  6. Great advice! Especially the alcohol part. What's up with that?? I am not afraid of fireworks at all, but golf carts, street signs, and solar panels terrify me. I think I'll be OK on New Years....

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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  7. Oh Dog! Last night about an hour after dark we started hearing fireworks. The people that live behind us were shooting them.... and big ones too! DeDe kept barking and the cats were afraid. Jen just gathered us all close and told us it would be OK. But she felt bad because some neighbors keep their dogs and cats outside.

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  8. Good safety tips, Torrey hates fireworks and any loud noises. Hopefully we won't be around any.

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  9. These are great tips! We live near a town beach that sets them off on big holidays but people also light them up randomly these days. Bella is getting better with them but she also has her 'safe space' in the basement if things get rough.

    I would also recommend folks look into a martingale collar for dogs whose heads are smaller than their necks (sight-hounds are an example). It's the only collar we trust taking Bella out in during storms and fireworks if she just "can't wait" until it's over.

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    1. Having a good collar is sooo important... I remember people's dogs would just slip out of their collars at the vet clinic and sometimes run out towards the highway. Never seen a receptionist run so fast in my life!

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  10. We don't care much about fireworks, but we do stay inside.
    Also the humans must organize their lives around us (that goes without saying) so no New Year's Eve party ;-)
    Purrs

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  11. What a great post and thank you. I hate fireworks. Mommy always stays with me inside.

    Happy New Year!

    Loveys Sasha

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  12. Granny always gives me a natural Bach remedy, Rescue Remedy for kids and it helps to keep me calm. Happy New Year's Eve :)

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  13. Harnesses > collars when on leash. We keep a collar on our dog at all times, but when we walk him, he goes on a harness. We originally used the harness because he tends to pull, but it's also great because it's a lot harder for him to slip out of. Just don't keep the harness on all the time- they should be limited walks only.
    ~ DecemberRain

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    1. Very nice advice - thanks for sharing. I've seen many dogs slip out of their collars very easily. Harnesses are great for walking.

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