It’s almost party time! Ringing in the new year is always a fun filled busy evening. Despite the busyness, it’s important to remember our furry friends.
Keeping Your Pets Safe On NYE
1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical activity.
One way to ensure that your dog will be more relaxed and calm on New Year’s Eve is to tire them out a bit during the day. Take your regular dog walks, and go a bit further or on a more uphill path than you normally would. This way, your dog will be calm and more likely to have a good sleep in the evening.
Be extra careful during dog walks outdoors.
It’s important to be extra careful while walking your dog, since some people test out fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve, or set them off even before it’s dark out. Loud noises, like fireworks, might scare your dog and trigger their running away. So keep your dog on a leash, and make sure their collar ID is properly attached.
2. Create a safe space for your dog indoors.
As a general rule, keep your dog inside. If you are hosting someone for New Year’s Eve, think ahead and dedicate a room or a confined space to your dog. Fill the space with your dog’s bed sheets – some food, if you wish – and other familiar items. This room will be your dog’s safe place during the evening.
If you have plans to be somewhere, it would be best to find a friend or family member (with more relaxed New Year’s Eve plans) and ask them to look after your dog for the evening. Together, they can watch TV and enjoy a peaceful New Year’s Eve together.
Keep up routines involving sleep, food and water.
Always make sure that your dog has access to water and food. Keep to their daily routines, and try to make sure your dog goes to sleep at their usual time. Routines will help a dog to feel safe and secure. By doing this, your dog will feel more relaxed and less inclined to run off if scared. Above all, make sure to feed your furry friend in calm moments to avoid the risk of swallowing or choking.
3. Keep your dog away from dangerous substances.
Keep in mind that on this day, there might be unusual substances around which are actually toxic to your dog – so don’t forget to protect your dog from these items that are poisonous to dogs. Dangerous substances include but are not limited to:
- Alcohol
- Fireworks, sparklers
- Chocolates
- Smoke
- Chemicals
- Toxic houseplants
- Salty snacks
- Meat with bones
Keep your dog away from the firework festivities too to avoid the risk of them getting hurt or accidentally poisoned. And do not let your dog ingest any alcohol, human foods, or drugs.
4. Keep your dog busy.
Dogs are very curious animals. To counter the excitement and bustle of New Year’s Eve, find alternative ways to entertain your dog. Try buying a new toy; if a dog has something new to play with, they are far less likely to care about what’s going on around them.
5. Spend quality time together.
Try to spend as much time with your dog on New Year’s Eve as you can. Since they are likely to be frightened on this day, be sure that when you engage with your dog, you do so calmly.
What to do on New Year’s Eve with your dog to spend quality time together? Here are some ideas:
- Play ball – while you watch the ball drop. Your dog’s favorite round toy will be sure to bring joy to their little heart.
- Have a movie marathon.
- Take a holiday together – somewhere peaceful.
- Host a small, dog-friendly gathering – invite your dog friends!
- Bake dog (and human) treats together.
- Build a fort together.
- Listen to calming music.