The Hawaiian Humane Society recently put about an excellent advisory reminding us that New Year’s Eve can be frightening or traumatic for pets. It is because the celebrations can be noisy, include fireworks and also expose the pet to a lot of strangers or strange food if you are having party.
To keep your pet safe so he or she does not get sick or run away the Hawaiian Humane society recommended that you cage your pet if you are having a party. At the very least keep the pet safe somewhere where he or she feels safe and familiar like your bedroom and make sure he or she is off limits to party guests. Make sure that hewn you sequester the pet that he or she also has plenty of water and food.
Ensure that your pets have identification. In Hawaii more than 400 animals were reported lost during last year’s holiday season. Animals found running at-large should be taken to your local Humane Society’s 24-hour animal intake center,
Having current photos of your pet is also helpful. For dogs, a license is proof of ownership and should be attached to his collar.
Resist taking your pet to fireworks displays. Most animals don’t enjoy the holiday’s noisy spectacles and will run off.
Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed on. Leave a radio or television on at normal volume to provide him or her with some companionship while you’re attending the picnics and parades. If you can’t keep your pet indoors, consider keeping him in an enclosed garage.
If possible, do not leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Animals may panic, escape and get lost, or become injured by becoming entangled in their chain at the sound of party noises or explosions.
Don’t leave your pet in the car. In addition to the danger posed by pet thieves, cars can heat up to a deadly temperature in minutes, even with windows partially opened if you live in a hot climate.
You should also avoid exposing your pet to abusive or drunk individuals. Some people are not that nice when inebriated and can easily hurt a pet by picking it up wrongly or by simply jabbing it or kicking it. A pet can be seriously hurt if it is tripped over by a drunken person who is not even aware that it is there.
You should also not let your dog wander near any tables of food and particularly tables that might have chocolate on them as eating chocolate is fatal for dogs. It can also give a cat a heart attack.