Keeping your pets safe and calm on New Year’s Eve During Fireworks
Introduction: As we gear up to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, it's essential to consider the well-being of our furry friends. Fireworks can be a source of anxiety for many dogs, making it crucial for pet parents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the festivities. Here are some tips to help keep your canine companion calm and secure when the sky is lit up with dazzling displays. Remember, that often illegal home fireworks may be set off at other times throughout the night - not just midnight.
Ensure you take your dog on a long adventurous sniffy walk during the day if they are young and active. This will help your dog settle better at night.
Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable area within your home where your dog can retreat to during fireworks. This could be a cozy corner with their favorite bed and toys. Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound and dim the lights to create a calming environment.
Put background noise on to also help muffle the fireworks noises. This can be music, Through a Dog’s Ear (Southing music specifically for calming pets - found on Spotify) or it might be white noise or the TV. Turn up the volume a bit to help disguise the sounds of fireworks.
Prepare a frozen Kong or give a hard treat before the fireworks start, this licking and chewing might be calming for your pet. *Note some pets when stressed will not eat. But if given before the event, it can often help to keep them calmer leading into the fireworks.
Stay Indoors: Keep your dog indoors during the fireworks show. The loud noises can be distressing for them, and being inside helps minimize the impact of the sound. Take them for a bathroom break before the festivities begin to reduce the need to go outside during the fireworks.
Provide Distractions: Keep your pup entertained with toys, treats, or a puzzle feeder to divert their attention from the loud noises outside. Engaging activities can help distract them and create positive associations with the sound of fireworks.
Use Calming Products: Consider using calming products such as anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming sprays. These products can have a soothing effect on dogs and help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Stay Calm and Comforting: Dogs often look to their owners for cues on how to react. If you remain calm and provide reassurance, it can help your dog feel more secure. Spend some quality time with them, offering comfort through gentle petting and soothing words. Remember to keep your voice low and smooth, like you are trying to soothe a baby. Higher pitched and faster paced “it’s ok, it’s alright” will signal to your dog that NOTHING is ok! Very slow, very gentle patting followed by lower toned, calm voice will help soothe.
Update Identification: In case your dog does manage to escape due to fear, ensure they are wearing a properly fitted collar with an updated ID tag. If your dog is microchipped, double-check that the information is current.
Conclusion: This New Year's Eve, let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our four-legged family members. By creating a secure environment, offering distractions, and providing comfort, you can help your dog navigate the fireworks festivities with minimal stress. Here's to a safe and happy celebration for both you and your beloved canine companion!
