As party planning begins for New Year’s Eve celebrations, it’s important not to forget about our furry friends. While the thought of a night with loud music, crowds and fireworks sounds like a blast for us, around 75 per cent of pets are fearful of fireworks and this time of year can be quite overwhelming for our pets.
The sudden crackle, bang and the bright lights from fireworks can cause extreme distress for our pets. Some pets can be affected by noise sensitivity and the light, causing many to escape or injure themselves as they attempt to run away from the noise. Animals have much more sensitive hearing than humans, with dogs having a hearing range that is twice as sensitive as humans. Like humans, very loud sounds can be harmful to their hearing and with fireworks exceeding 140 decibels, it’s no surprise this can be distressing for our pets.
To help prepare for a mindful party season, Petstock Vet Dr Sasha Nefedova shares her expertise on how we can keep our pets safe and calm, whether you’re going out or staying at home, this New Year’s Eve.
Create a zen zone (safe quiet place)
Creating a designated safe space at home for your pet can help ease their anxieties from the sound and bright lights of the fireworks, or the extra noises from hosting, during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Including their favourite toys, fresh water, and a cosy bed, provides a peaceful retreat during the festivities.
Whether it's a dark room with curtains closed or just a quiet spot, closing blinds to block out flashes of light and playing soothing music can reduce your pet’s anxiety levels. Similar to humans, repetitive gentle sounds can calm pets and help them to better cope with psychological triggers such as loud noises or fireworks.
If you know your pet is particularly anxious, you can utilise calming collars, calming treats and food, pheromone diffusers like the Feliway Diffuser or a weighted coat for dogs such as the Thundershirt If you have a particularly nervous pet, check with your vet about calming medications if needed.
Hot tip: Adding items of your own clothing to the space which contains your scent can also help your pet feel safe, less alone and calmer.
Pre-party preparation
Before the New Years festivities begin, there’s a number of precautions we can take to protect pets within the home.
Exercise:
Just like humans, our pets experience a release of endorphins after exercise and activity, allowing them to feel a natural high and be happy. Whether it’s taking your dog on a long walk, a trip to the dog park to run freely and socialise with other dogs or playing interactive games with your cat, it’s important that they get plenty of exercise in the lead up to and on New Year’s Eve. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and prevent behaviours such as barking or chewing and scratching at the furniture.
Housekeeping:
Animals, such as rabbits, who are usually kept outdoors should be brought into the home or some other quiet, enclosed space such as the garden shed on New Year’s Eve. When it becomes dark, ensure cats are kept indoors and have access to as many hiding places as possible. This means you should open doors to rooms that your cat wouldn’t normally have access to.
Microchip:
Dogs are more likely to escape on nights like New Year’s Eve in response to loud noises, large crowds of people, unfamiliar surroundings and a change to their normal routine. Under these unusual circumstances, your pet may get frightened and attempt to run away or hide as a result. In the case that your furry friend does make a break for it, make sure they are microchipped or update any new details on the microchip registry, and ensure they’re wearing an ID tag so that they can be easily returned.
Toys:
If you’re heading out on New Year’s Eve, consider leaving your pet with a new enrichment toy such as a Kong or food puzzles. Giving your dog, cat or rabbit a ‘job’ to do will keep them mentally stimulated, offer a sense of comfort and help manage their anxiety or boredom. However, it’s important that you identify the cause of their anxiety so you’re not at risk of reinforcing the issue.
Dr. Sasha’s top enrichment toys: Buddy & Belle Dog Treat Puzzle RRP: $23.94, KONG Ring Dog Toy RRP: $15.99, Petstock Foundation Boredom Buster Hexagon Lick Mat RRP: $11.47
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