New Year’s Eve is a wonderful time to get together with friends and celebrate. Cities have firework celebrations and the tradition of watching the ball drop in Times Square is always a treat. These festivities are not always grand, safe or exciting for your furry friends, and you will want to take certain measures to make sure that your companion is safe on New Year’s Eve. Here are some ways to make sure your companion is safe and happy this New Year’s Eve.

• Use common sense. If you have companions that are used to a structured household, it may make more sense to take the party elsewhere this year.
• Parties and groups of people can create unneeded stress and anxiety for your furry friend. Ensure that if you bring your companion to the festivities that you have provided him or her with a “safe” place that they can go to if they start to become overwhelmed. This might be a carrier, or a favorite blanket laid in an unused room. Be sure to include some of his or her toys so that they have some familiar items with them.
• Beware of having alcoholic beverages where your companions can get to them. They may smell appealing to your furry friends, which could result in a trip to the vet.
• Beware of decorations like streamers, balloons and noisemakers. Your companion may decide to try these party favors as an appetizer resulting in choking, an intestinal obstruction and a trip to the vet.
• An animal’s sense of hearing is much more sensitive than a human. Keep the noise level to a minimum, or find a way to shield your furry friend from the rowdier crowd.
• Don’t take your companion to the local New Year’s Eve fireworks festivities. The sights and sounds are typically too overwhelming for them.
• Make sure you stick with the usual routine as much as possible. If you must take your companion out travelling or away from home for an extended period of time,  try to recreate their schedule to the best of your ability. It is also important to ensure that you do not change their diet.
• Take your companion for an extra long walk during the day as you will not want to let them out in the evening with all of the festivities, noise and less than sober people on the road.
• Keep the remnants of dinner away from your furry friend. Turkey, pork and ham can make your companion very sick.
• Keep your companion separate from the party. Parties can cause excess stress, which could induce accidents, and less than positive behavior that can harm your companion and your belongings.

 

Celebrating New Year’s Eve is a great tradition and a lot of fun. The fireworks may seem glorious to you, but they can be frightening to your animal companion. Help your furry friend ring in the New Year with you by ensuring that he or she has a comfortable evening as well.