Dogs and cats are sensitive to loud noises such as fireworks and firecrackers, which can be especially overwhelming on New Year's Eve. As a result of the loud sounds, pets can become scared and confused, leading to them running away or becoming lost. To help ensure your pet's safety and comfort during the New Year's Eve celebrations, here are some tips that can be followed:

Dogs

Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing compared to humans, allowing them to hear sounds at double the volume. In addition, they have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, which allows them to detect the scent of fireworks from farther away and with more intensity than humans. This can often be extremely overwhelming for dogs, resulting in a panic attack. It is important to remember that something enjoyable for us can be painful for dogs, and taking steps to protect them from any potential harm is essential.

  • Early habituation: It is important to properly socialise puppies and young dogs with different stimuli and situations to prepare them for dealing with loud noises and other unusual experiences as adult dogs. Switching up your walks (Changing the times you walk and where you walk), slowly raising the volume of music around the house. These are simple actions that can help make your dog calmer in stressful situations.

  • In the house: During fireworks, it is best to keep your dog inside the house, this helps reduce your dog's anxiety and discomfort. This is mainly due to the lack of noise. Fireworks are very loud and hard to predict if you're not watching them yourself. That's why giving your dog their own covered space in your house can keep them calm. Here you can find items so your dog can have this space.

  • Anti-stress jackets: “Calming shirts” are proven to have a calming effect on animals. Their design provides gentle pressure on the ribcage of the dog. This contributes to reducing their anxiety, just like weighted blankets for us. Please use the link here to see our Thundershirt.

  • Professional support: Animals that have a deep fear of fireworks and loud noises can be treated for their fears with professional help either by a veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviourist. This program can be used to help the animal gradually become less fearful of the sound, as well as to teach them to associate the sound with something positive and enjoyable. This can and will take time, but as long as you have started early in the year this “treatment” will help your dog with everything stressful, not just fireworks.

Dogs and Cold

Dog owners should be watchful for hints of their pups feeling cold such as trembling and lifting their feet more frequently when standing. When these signs appear, it's best to turn back and go home. When the weather is chilly, shorter walks more often might be better.

Cats

Cats can become panicked by loud sounds and bright lights, leading to signs like not eating, diarrhoea, and hiding. This can last for days after New Year's Eve. To help ease their anxieties, there are some easy steps we can take:

  • Preventative measures: All owners are strongly advised to have their cats microchipped. That way, if your cat manages to escape and run away despite all your precautions, there’s a better chance that you will be reunited thanks to the microchip. Thanks to things like firecrackers your cat should stay indoors after the fireworks have finished. That one flash of light or loud bang will make them run away.

  • Calming music: Gentle, relaxing music can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety in cats. It has been found that certain types of music can have a calming effect on cats, helping them to relax and be less anxious. Try playing different genres of music for your cat, here you can find the one song/genre that helps keep them calm.

  • In case of stress: A cat showing signs of stress mustn’t be left alone. A human presence can be very comforting at this nerve-racking time. Unfortunately, too much petting or talking to them can increase their stress. Make sure before fireworks, that you know your cat and what they like. From experience, cats can love cuddles whereas others would rather be alone on their spot.

  • In the home: Cats must have access to as many hiding places as possible. This means you should open doors to rooms that your cat wouldn’t normally have access to. This may include the bedroom, for instance, which could provide a hiding place in an open wardrobe.

Cats and Cold

Cats should be allowed to go outdoors all year round. Their fur will grow thicker, better protecting them from cold. If possible, provide a refuge for them. Cat flaps should be installed to enter the house when owners are away or asleep. Winter is more hazardous for cats due to shortened daylight, so a reflective collar is a good solution. If your require any further tips regarding keeping your pet warm this winter please read our blog here that contains all the tips and tricks we have picked up from owners.

With your pets now stress-free you can both enjoy your New Years' Eve celebrations. A calm pet makes every day much better for both of you. Keeping up with these tips will make sure anxiety no longer affects either of you. If your pet requires something extra just to make sure they stay calm during the holiday season please read our blog here. We show some recommendations of products we sell which are known to be effective for your pets.

No matter how loud or cold new years eve may be you and your pets will both enjoy bringing in the new year.

Written by: Lee