11 New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Safety Guide
Welcoming in the new year is an exciting and joyful celebration. It involves the gathering of friends and family, great food, celebratory drinks, and of course, the mesmerizing display of fireworks that light up the sky. Unfortunately, the joy that these festivities bring for us is not the same for our dogs. The loud bangs, flashes of light, and unfamiliar smells can cause them stress, which may result in them running away.
If you plan on celebrating the new year, here are helpful tips that you can follow to keep your dog safe.
The 11 New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Dogs
1. Keep Your Dog Indoors
Before any festivities begin and the fireworks start, make sure your dog is indoors and can’t escape outside. If your dog is usually outside, slowly get them used to being inside as the new year approaches.
It’s wise to keep your dog indoors because loud and sudden noise could frighten them, sending them on the run and potentially getting lost or encountering a dangerous situation. Before you close your dog in, ensure that they have used the bathroom, are calm, and have a full tummy.
If you have plans to celebrate away from home and cannot take your pup, find a friend or family member and ask them to look after your pet for the evening.
2. Provide a Safe Haven for Your Dog
While your dog is indoors with you, it’s crucial to create a space or haven that will help them feel safe. If your dog is crate-trained, a cozy crate will provide a sense of security. Set up a soft and cozy bed with your dog’s favorite toys, preferably in an area away from windows, and close the curtains to minimize bright flashes and help drown out the noise.
This area could be in a separate room, the laundry room, under the bed, or in a closet, but it should be somewhere your dog is familiar with and comfortable. Keep checking in during the evening with some cuddles and a treat to reward their calm behavior.
3. Exercise Your Dog During the Day
Ensuring that your dog has had enough exercise during the day may help reduce excess energy and promote relaxation. This could include a long walk, a swim, or fun games in the yard.
It’s important to remember that if you choose to take your dog for a walk, they should be on a leash. Some people may start setting off fireworks during the day, which could startle your dog and trigger them to run off.
4. Keep Harmful Food and Drinks Out of Reach
During this time of year, there will be all sorts of delicious treats that your dog may be curious about, which can be dangerous. Edible substances, such as cakes, cookies, and alcohol, can be left unattended and easily accessible for a curious pup to sniff around. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and many sweet treats can cause a stomach upset or contain harmful ingredients such as chocolate or artificial sweeteners. To keep your dog safe, store these items out of reach or in a designated area.
Also, keep decorations like streamers, tinsel, party poppers, and hats away from your pet, as they can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
5. Keep Your Dog Busy
Your dog may get excited about the festivities or startled by the noise and light, so it’s helpful to keep them busy and distracted. You can offer your dog a new toy that can keep them occupied for a long period. Durable chew toys, puzzle toys, or vet approved chews are great options for keeping your dog engaged, but make sure they are safe and cannot be easily destroyed or pieces ingested. Take 15 minutes here and there to spend time with your dog, like playing a game of fetch in the living room. They will love the attention and quality time with you.
6. Provide Some Noise to Drown Out the Sound of Fireworks
You can help reduce the sound of fireworks by providing white noise. You can leave the television on, keep a fan going, turn on the radio, or play calming music. The sound will help distract them.
You can even find playlists on online platforms that provide soothing playlists for dogs. These tracks typically use calming tones, slow tempos, and consistent sounds to help reduce stress.
7. Stay Calm
Dogs are often highly sensitive to their owner’s behavior and emotional cues. By staying calm and relaxed, you can help your dog feel more secure during stressful situations. Offer gentle reassurance, such as calm petting and a soothing tone, especially when your dog is relaxed. This helps reinforce calm behavior without encouraging anxiety.
If you have guests over, keep the party away from them because some people get excited around dogs, which can add to their stress.
8. Make Sure Your Pet's ID Is Up to Date
If your dog is microchipped or has a collar, ensure that all your information is up to date. Some pups are known for escaping their homes when fireworks scare them, and your pet is more likely to be found if your contact information is accurate.
9. Desensitize Your Dog to Fireworks
If you suspect that your dog is sensitive to the loud sounds of festivities, you can help prepare them for the evening by gradually desensitizing them. Play an audio recording of fireworks at a low volume, so your dog gets used to hearing them. Then, offer your pet a treat while playing the sounds to make a positive association. The volume should be low enough that your dog can still hear them but doesn’t show signs of stress. You can gradually increase the volume over time as long as your dog remains relaxed and shows no signs of fear.
10. Talk to Your Vet
You can talk to your veterinarian beforehand for tips and advice, especially if your dog is prone to becoming stressed. They will discuss options with you and possible medication to help reduce your pet's anxiety.
11. Clean Up Firework Debris and Decorations
Even after New Year's Eve is over, you should inspect the area before allowing your dog outside. If you have set off fireworks and have decorations lying on the ground, clean them up before you allow your dog outside. A plastic streamer, chocolate, or candy containing xylitol could send your dog to the emergency clinic if consumed.
Conclusion
Finding ways to keep your dog safe during the New Year's festivities is the responsible thing to do if you choose to celebrate. Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise beforehand and quality time will help them feel tired out and calm before the big event.
Keep them indoors with you, create a safe haven, and check on them regularly. Have their favorite treats available, and don’t forget to give them extra attention. If you follow these safety tips, you can confidently welcome the new year knowing that your dog is safe.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: smrm1977, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
