How to prepare your pet for New Year's eve celebrations and fireworks

For many of us, fireworks are a way to celebrate and ring in the New Year, but for our four-legged friends, they can be terrifying.

More pets go missing on New Year's Eve than on any other day of the year.

Here are my tips to keep your pets safe. 

Watch the video above.

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Prepare early

Make a pet plan and seek veterinary advice if necessary. Is it possible for someone to stay home with your pet or leave them with someone? Ensure your pet has an identification tag with a current phone number and that microchip details are up to date. 

Thoroughly exercise your dog before dusk. A tired dog will likely be less anxious during the night. Make sure they have ample toileting opportunities before you leave.

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Keep animals indoors

Bring them inside during the afternoon so you know where they are. Cats often disappear around dusk. No matter how secure your fencing is, panicked dogs will often find a way to escape by digging, jumping or climbing. 

Create a comfortable, safe place in the house. Remove breakable and sharp items, and place bedding and blankets in there. Play calm or classical music.

Flashes of light and noise scare pets, so ensure all windows and blinds are closed to block out as much noise and light as possible.

Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dog during these times and never use a choke chain to restrain your dog.

Comfort your dog

Let your dog be with you, and don't make a big fuss. Reward your dog for their calm behaviour; rewards include giving dog treats and their favourite dog toy.

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Try playing lots of games before and during the fireworks to offer a distraction – sometimes, a game with a favourite toy will be enough of a distraction. Make it a fun event, not a scary one – this is the best approach for puppies.

Try a 'Thundershirt'. This is a type of jacket that has a calming effect on some dogs (not all). They are used for dogs fearful of storms, fireworks, travel, or general anxiety. The jacket applies a gentle but constant pressure on the dog's torso, calming the over stimulated nervous system.

Finally, talk to your vet about the treatment options for managing noise phobias – ask them about any new treatment options.

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