New Year’s Eve may be fun and festive, but can be very stressful for your cat or dog. Use these tips to keep them happy and safe this holiday weekend!
1) Give your pet a quiet space: If you are the one hosting the party, keeping your pets inside is optimal. While your guests may want to hang out with your dog or take selfies with your cat, keeping them in a safe, escape-proof room may be safer for them-especially during fireworks. Also, you can play gentle music or put on the tv to mask the sounds of fireworks in the distance.
2) Asking your guests for help: Be sure to ask your guests to make sure your pet doesn’t escape as they’re entering or exiting your home. Also ask them to keep track of all food, beverages, sparklers, etc. While you may know that certain foods as well as alcohol are toxic to your pet, your guests may not.
3) Lay off the noisemakers: The firework display put on by your city government may be unavoidable, but you can help your pet by removing all the “Party Horns” and other plastic noisemakers from your home and asking guests not to bring them.
4) Play with your pet: Keep your pet calm by giving them your attention. Designated play-time and exercise earlier in the day will tire your pet out so hopefully they will sleep through any stress-inducing activities.
5) Make sure guests respect your pet: Whether it’s proper petting procedure, leaving your pet alone when he or she runs to hide, or keeping alcohol off of low tables or the floor, make sure your guests know acceptable behavior around pets. If someone has a little bit too much alcohol and begins to bother your pet, be sure to remove your pet and offending person from the situation.
6) Make sure your pet (regardless of species) has current identification tags: If your pet does escape, having up-to-date information on his or her tags is vital for them to return home.
7) Microchip your pet: Microchipping takes only a few moments with your veterinarian. Microchips the only permanent forms of identification for your pet and are inserted under the skin. For more information on microchips, check out this article!
8) Talk to your veterinarian: Your veterinarian may recommend calming therapies [such as VetriScience Composure Chews or a Thundershirt] or even anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a bad history with New Year’s celebrations. Your veterinarian has the best knowledge of your pet and can offer you the most personalized options for you and your pet!
We hope that everyone has a safe and fun New Year’s Eve! If you have any questions or concerns for your pet this holiday, call us at 216-749-7161. We have microchips and pet behavior products available to help make New Year’s less stressful for everyone!