New Year’s Eve is a fun holiday perfect for reflecting on the previous year and planning for the one to come! As we prepare to ring in 2025, it’s crucial to consider your pup’s safety in your plans for celebrating this exciting time. While watching the ball drop can be fun, it can also be a challenging experience for our pets. The combination of loud noises, potential hazards, and changes to their routine can be a bit overwhelming. Today, we’ll break down some of these hazards and give you some safety tips to make this holiday enjoyable for two-legged and four-legged friends alike! Let’s jump right in.
Managing Fido’s NYE Anxiety
New Year’s Eve, as fun as it can be, tends to be the most hectic holiday. With all the noise and new faces, your pup may struggle to enjoy your celebration. You may consider the following to help make your festivities more enjoyable for Fido.
Firework Desensitization
Fireworks can be very unsettling to dogs, especially those without experience. The loud booms and bright flashes can upset your dog, so it’s best to prepare them for this beforehand. We recommend some simple sound training leading up to your big night. Try playing a video of fireworks at a low volume for your dog. Day after day, increase the volume to a safe but loud level. This will help desensitize your dog and make this aspect of NYE a little less stressful.
Designate a Safe Zone
A people-free safe zone can help your furbaby decompress and relax during NYE festivities, especially if you’re hosting many people. This could be a room with no windows or a familiar, comfortable space where they can relax. Providing calming items like their favorite toys or bedding offers reassurance.
Comfort Your Pet
Be patient with your canine! This can be an extremely stressful night for them, so offer plenty of hugs and kisses throughout the night to keep them feeling secure. If you cannot check on them frequently, consider dressing them in an anti-anxiety vest, like the Thundershirt, to give them that similar sense of comfort!
Dog-Friendly Holiday Decorating and Party Planning
If you’re planning to host a party to ring in the New Year, make sure it’s a dog-friendly one! There are plenty of decorations you may choose to avoid, especially if you have an overly curious pup. Confetti, balloons, and streamers are fun but can be dangerous if ingested. Try to limit your pup’s access to these objects throughout the night.
Did you know several common holiday foods and plants are toxic to dogs? Keep chocolates, alcohol, and poinsettias away from any hungry pups to avoid tummy troubles. Party favors and table snacks can also be hazardous to dogs. Try to avoid leaving out nuts or grapes.
When planning for your party, you may tucker your dog out the day before your guests arrive. This may lead to them wanting to sleep through your party, which could be ideal for those wishing to focus on other issues throughout the night. While it’s perfect to celebrate the New Year with your pup, this option works fine, too!
Post-Celebration Pup Precautions
Once the clock strikes midnight and your guests begin to leave, your night isn’t quite over. Ensuring a safe ending to the night is important for everyone, including your four-legged guests. As guests exit your home, be mindful of letting them in and out to avoid an unintentional escape. It’s always a good idea to check that your pet’s collar and ID tags are up to date with your contact information. If your pet isn’t, now might be the perfect time to consider microchipping, as it’s an extra layer of security if they get lost.
You’ll also want to clean up any leftover food, alcohol, or other material you don’t want your pup to get into. Doing this right after guests leave might not be fun, but you will be glad your pup didn’t get into anything dangerous! Once everyone has left, take some time to hang with your pooch! It’s been a long night for them, and they will need some TLC.
New Year’s Eve can be a time of joy and celebration, but it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being during the festivities. By managing noise levels, securing your home, keeping hazardous items out of reach, and providing a calming environment, you can help minimize stress for your furry friends.
Whether it’s creating a quiet space, using calming aids, or ensuring proper identification, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a happy, safe New Year for both you and your pets. With these precautions, you can all ring in the new year together—safe, sound, and stress-free!