Both Christmas and New Year’s Eve are fantastic fun for us humans, but for our pets they can pose dangers. Food, drink, bright lights, and lots of noise characterize the holidays. Most pets don’t appreciate either noise or lights. So, what can we do to keep our fur or feathered baby happy and safe when the new year rolls around and knocks at the door?

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Celebrate, There’s Food and Drink!

While offering your pet an extra tidbit from your table occasionally probably won’t cause harm, much will depend on exactly what that tidbit is.

Avoid giving pets sweets, chocolate, or rich foods. A small piece of meat without bones may be a nice treat, but foods that are not part of your pet’s regular diet are not recommended. Vomiting and diarrhea are common reactions to eating party food as well as visiting the trash can for scraps.

Alcohol

When you’re toasting to better fortune in the new year, your pet should not have access to alcohol.

Pets who ingest alcoholic beverages or alcohol-laced sweets are at risk for a variety of undesired reactions, a few that could prove to be fatal. Typical reactions to alcohol ingestion in cats and dogs can include:

• Vomiting

• Depression

• A blood pressure of body temperature drop

• Unsteady gait

Drugs

The legalization of marijuana continues, and it must be kept out of paws’ reach. This is particularly so if you have the drug in edible forms such as cookies, brownies, or candies. Pets can experience sleepiness, unsteadiness, and sensitivity to touch if they have ingested it.

In worse-case scenarios, pets may undergo a drop in body temperature, a slowing of the heart rate, and possibly seizures. In some rare instances, marijuana ingestion can be fatal. If you think your pet has swallowed marijuana or narcotics, contact your veterinarian or local poison control center immediately.

Lights, Noise, and More Noise

Pets frequently run away in stressful situations to seek shelter.  When it comes to fireworks, New Year has few rivals. Pets need a sanctuary where they can feel safe.

Celebrating at Home

A large gathering of friends and family can have a negative effect as well as any change in routine. If you are celebrating at home, keep noisemakers, decorations, explosives, and anything that your dog or Christmas puppy can eat, safely out of the way. 

Dogs have a way of munching on just about anything. When guests arrive, they mustn’t unwittingly bring along objects or food that could be dangerous to pets if left unattended.

Out On the Town

If, on the other hand, you plan on bringing in the new year away from home, remember that your pet will find the lights, and especially the noise confusing and possibly frightening. Your pet’s first instinct will be to run. Before leaving, verify that all windows, doors, or gates are closed and secure.

Remove harmful medicine, toxic plants, or food from your pet’s reach. In a stressful moment, chewing is a normal reaction.

The New Year in Pet Company

There’s no reason not to usher in the new year in your pet’s company. Cuddling together on New Year’s Eve with games and belly rubs can help your pet begin the new year in the best of manners.

Photo by Cara Grobbelaar on Unsplash

Tips for Managing New Year Festivities

• If your pet is a dog, make sure to do some extra exercise during the daytime so that your pet can release pent-up energy and even tire out a bit before the party starts. One thing to keep in mind is that there are folks who will begin doing trial runs of fireworks before sundown. Loud noises can frighten your pet, so when out exercising, make sure the dog is on a leash and has an ID tag on. A microchip can help authorities reunite you if your dog gets lost and a GPS tracker is your best option for tracking right after he or she bolts.

• Create a shelter within your home. Whether you are hosting a party or going out, a room or a space should be dedicated to your pet. Fill this room with your pet’s bed, a crate, blankets, water, and favorite toys. Avoid leaving your dog or cat outdoors in the yard even if they are used to staying outside. Not only is it a particularly cold time of year, they may panic and escape to find shelter.

•  Ideally, if you’re going out, a pet sitter, friend, or family member willing to pet sit, will help your pet feel secure. A pet alone, surrounded by loud, unfamiliar noises can trigger anxiety, behavioral problems, and health problems.

• Maintain daily routines in terms of feeding times, walks, and bedtime. Routines provide a sense of security.

Happy New Year!

With a little organization, you can guarantee your pet enjoys a safe and serene New Year’s Eve. And if you can spend the evening together, all the better!