If Christmas is one of the most dangerous times for out pets then New Year’s eve is the most terrifying – and the problem doesn’t start and finish with fireworks.
A leading vet explained that seasonal storms, hot weather, broken routines and having people over can all cause our pets great stress.
Dr Andrew Lobb, from Dial-a-Vet, told FEMAIL it is important to prepare for the celebration season properly.
Dr Andrew Lobb, pictured here with his rescue greyhound, gives his advice for NYE
This could mean paying more attention to the security of your back yard, speaking to a vet about anxiety medication and checking with councils about fireworks.
If you won’t be home
If you aren’t going to be at home for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but your pets are, you need to prepare the house.
‘You need to be prepared for the hot weather, have extra bowls of water around in case one is knocked over,’ he said.
And also be mindful of seasonal weather changes by giving your pets access to stormproof shelter.
‘You also need to check the perimeter to make sure there is no new holes that your pets can use to escape,’ he said.
‘And be mindful that your dog might be better at jumping than they were last year. So make sure they can’t get over the fence.’
Dr Lobb said that dogs can become ‘super dogs’ when frightened, making fences they wouldn’t normally look twice at easy to jump.
He suggests moving furniture and blocking off decks that could be unsafe too.
‘They might normally be find but its things like decks and stairs that dogs fall from when they are scared,’ he said.
Sometimes dogs and cats become stressed if their owners are away for long periods of time – which makes New Year’s Eve especially difficult.
‘If you are going to be away from mid morning to after midnight then you have to think about all of these things, because routine is important for pets,’ he said.
If there’s fireworks or other big celebrations
Fireworks are a huge trigger for many dogs – but other loud entertainment and big celebrations nearby can also be scary.
If you are home there are many things you can do to limit the stress your dog is under, Dr Lobb said.
The first it to know what is planned – this information is typically located on a council website.
‘If you know when the fireworks are going to happen you can be ready, just bear in mind there could be backyard fireworks and noise from nearby councils too,’ he said.
If you know your dog is concerned by fireworks then you can speak to your vet ahead of New Year’s Eve and get some medication.
Alternatively Dr Lobb recommends closing the windows and blinds and putting on music to help distract from what’s happening outside
‘Spotify and Apple Music have both got playlists to help dogs with stress, they say they are scientifically backed while I am not sure about that it is worth a try,’ he said.
He also suggests playing with your pets in the lead up to the big events.
‘If you are already playing when it starts then they might not notice or be too fussed,’ he said.
And of course it is important the people in the room stay calm.
‘They will be looking at you for cues,’ he said.
Andrew, who is currently fostering a puppy over the Christmas and New Year period, says
If you are having a party
It is important to know if your pets are social or not, and to offer them a safe space either way.
This could be a crate or a place in the home with all of their blankets, where they can get away from the crowds.
Toys with slow release treats and pheromone diffusers can be used here as it helps to promote a calm and happy environment.
If they are social then it is important to let them mingle until they choose to be alone.
It is also important to put hazards of of reach – from poisons like blue cheese and macadamias to choking hazards like party poppers and streamers.
Alcohol and any medication should also be kept out of reach of your dogs as they can be dangerous.
And if they do swallow something they shouldn’t you need to get help from a 24 hour vet immediately.
Dial-a-Vet is a good place to start as it can help you find the right surgery for you. They can also suggest the appropriate level of care for each case before any costly visits to the vet.
People need to remind their guests to close doors and gates as well as that could lead to fearful animals escaping into the street.
If you lose a pet
It is important to have your pets microchip information up to date – as well as a collar with your details on them.
Pet owners who think their loved ones might be impacted by fireworks should plan ahead – and prepare their homes to limit the stress
If your pet absconds Dr Lobb recommends looking for them in ‘known locations’ and says they are most likely to go somewhere they feel safe, like the park or a neighbour’s house.
If you can’t find your dog in any of your typical walking routes or friend’s homes then you should post on social media.
You can also call your local RSPCA and Animal Welfare League shelters as well as council shelters – however these aren’t obliged to take animals.
You can also get GPS collars, which are especially helpful for people whose dogs do abscond more regularly.
If you find a pet
It is important to think about your safety first – if these pets are scared they could lash out.
If it is safe and they are inured then check their collar details, take them to a local 24hour vet.
Posting pictures of them to social media is also helpful and can lead to them being reunited with their owners quickly.
‘Make sure you include where they can find their pets in the post if you have taken them to a clinic,’ he said.
What to look for
It is important to know if your pets are stressed out so that you can help the,. Cats might pee in unusual places when they are stressed.
While dogs could come to check on you more often, and do more laps checking the doors and smelling the air. They also might destroy things they wouldn’t normally.
‘Any behaviour that is out of the ordinary is probably stress when it comes to NYE,’ he said.
Dr Lobb says training and attention can help ease pet’s stress over time, this includes during typically ‘scary’ events like thunderstorms and firework displays.
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