Pets First

Fireworks are fun for many people, but stressful for animals. For many pets, the fireworks even cause panic. And in most cases, the bright and noisy explosions are not just limited to New Year's Eve, but are also set off on the days surrounding the turn of the year. To ensure that you and your pets have a good start to the New Year, you can take a few precautions, which we have put together for you.

WHY ARE ANIMALS AFRAID ON NEW YEAR'S EVE?

Dogs and cats are particularly frightened by loud bangs, as they have much more sensitive hearing than humans. If the noise is too strong, it can even lead to permanent hearing damage and behavioral problems such as noise anxiety. At the same time, the sudden, bright lights in the dark at night startle them. The unfamiliar smell also affects them. These components can also lead to panic and stress in small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, but also in birds and horses. Even fish react negatively to loud noises. In addition to our pets , this problem naturally also affects wild animals. They are torn from their night or even winter rest by the fireworks. Due to the increased stress and panic, there is a particularly high risk of injury and even death for them. They also use up valuable energy reserves, which they urgently need to survive in the cold season.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ANIMALS DURING FIREWORKS

Many animals change their normal behavior. Deer, stags and other wild animals are startled. Wild birds fly up, sometimes in large numbers, and can lose their bearings due to fear and stress, fly into obstacles and become seriously injured or even die. This is also problematic for other animal species: panicked animals react differently than usual and are even less able to assess dangers. Cats, for example, may flee into untraceable hiding places or dogs may run in front of moving cars. At the turn of the year 2022/23, our partner animal shelters therefore reported 212 dead and 17 injured animals, including both wild animals and numerous pets.

Steps to Take as the New Year Approaches

On New Year's Eve itself, you can take the following measures to calm your pet:

• Do not leave your pet alone
• Don't get hectic and keep your pet calm
• At nightfall, lower all blinds and close windows and doors
• Turn up the radio/TV a little louder than usual (be careful with firework noises in broadcasts, especially at midnight!)
• If necessary, offer search/activity games as a distraction from the noise

WHICH SEDATIVE FOR DOGS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE?

Medication should always be the last step you take. This is because they can lead to your pet still feeling the fear but not being able to show appropriate behavior. In this case, your pet may appear calm on the outside, but will still experience stress - and in the worst case scenario, this can exacerbate the fear of fireworks. Whether and which medication is at all suitable for your pet must always be discussed individually with the vet. It is worth discussing the problem with them at an early stage. For particularly frightened animals, it can also help to seek the advice of a behavioral trainer. It is essential that you do not give your pet eggnog or other alcohol.

HOW DO I CALM THEM DURING FIREWORKS?

Take the following tips to heart with dogs around New Year's Eve:

• Secure anxious dogs twice (two leashes, one each for normal and safety harness)
• Do not unleash dogs on walks
• Move walks to quiet areas (e.g. woods, beaches, cemeteries, sparsely populated areas)
• Do not walk your dog on New Year's Eve
• Keep walks short, only go out to relieve the dogs.
• Shield your home from noise and light as much as possible
• Create hiding places
• Be there for the dog
• Offer games as a distraction
• Leave the radio/TV on

TRAINING AND HIDING PLACES SAVE STRESS

Appropriate preparation is important for a relaxed New Year's Eve. Start several weeks before the New Year by creating retreats for your dog or cat that are away from the street and particularly protected. This will allow your four-legged friends to get used to it before things get serious. Speaking of getting used to things: you can also try to desensitize your pet. To do this, contact a vet who specializes in behaviour. The expert will give you tips on how to slowly build up the training. However, there is no guarantee of success for desensitization.

NEW YEAR'S CHECK LIST

• Secure Indoors: Keep pets inside to protect them from loud noises and fireworks.
• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area with their bed, toys, and water.
• ID Tags & Microchip: Ensure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date and their microchip is registered.
• Calming Aids: Use anxiety-reducing tools like a calming vest, pheromone diffuser, or prescribed medication if needed.
• Avoid Dangerous Foods: Keep party snacks, alcohol, and chocolate out of reach.
• Supervise Visitors: Inform guests to avoid letting pets escape or giving them unsafe treats.
• Noise Protection: Play calming music or white noise to mask fireworks sounds.
• Outdoor Precautions: Walk your dog earlier in the day to avoid loud evening activities.
• Emergency Contact: Have the number for a nearby vet or animal emergency service handy.
• Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor can help soothe your pet during stressful moments.