New Year’s Eve and Day can present hazards for your furry friend. The fireworks, loud noises, and commotion that come with celebrating can cause stress and anxiety for dogs.

From keeping them calm to ensuring their safety, there are several steps you can take to protect your dog during the holiday. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Keep Them Calm

If your dog is prone to anxiety or nervousness, New Year’s Eve can be a tough time for them. To ensure they remain calm, consider taking the following steps:.

Provide a quiet, comfortable retreat for your dog to retreat to. This could be a separate room or crate, complete with blankets, toys, and treats.
Play calming music or turn on the TV to mask the noise of the fireworks and celebration outside.
Consider using natural calming supplements or medications as advised by your veterinarian.
Provide plenty of love, attention and reassurance to help soothe your dog’s nerves.

2. Secure Your Home

In the chaos of New Year’s celebrations, dogs can become scared and disorientated. With people coming and going, doors left open and loud noises outside, it’s important to secure your home to keep your dog safe. Here are a few ways to do so:.

Keep doors and windows securely locked and closed.
Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are up-to-date with your current address and phone number. In the event they do run away or become lost, this makes it easier for them to return home.
If your dog is an escape artist, consider microchipping them for added security.
Supervise your dog when they’re outside, especially if they have access to the front or back yard. This can prevent them from taking off in a panic if they hear fireworks or other loud noises.

3. Watch What They Eat

There’s a good chance that you’ll be indulging in tasty treats and snacks over the New Year’s period, and it’s only natural that your dog will want to join in.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that many festive foods and drinks can be harmful to dogs. Here are a few things to avoid:.

Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause serious harm to dogs and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
Chocolate: Chocolates contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs.
High-fat foods: Rich, fatty foods like ham, turkey, or gravy can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, or pancreatitis in dogs.
Bones: While it may be tempting to give your dog a leftover bone from dinner, bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.

4. Keep Fireworks Out of Reach

Fireworks are a time-honored tradition of New Year’s celebrations, but they can be scary and dangerous for dogs. Keep your dog safe by doing the following:.

Keep fireworks and other flammable items out of reach. Store them in a secure, non-flammable area away from your pets.
If you’re setting off fireworks at home, keep your dog indoors and away from the noise. Close the blinds and curtains to muffle the sound and use calming techniques to soothe them.
Always supervise your dog when they’re outside, especially at night. Keep them on a leash if necessary, and secure your yard to prevent them from escaping or coming into contact with fireworks debris.
Ensure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tags in case they do become lost or separated.

5. Get Them Some Exercise

With all the excitement and commotion of the holiday, it’s important to provide your dog with some much-needed exercise and fresh air. Here are a few ideas to keep them active and engaged:.

Take them for a leashed walk or run during quieter periods. This can give them some much-needed exercise and help to burn off some nervous energy.
Play fetch or other games indoors or in your backyard. This can be a great way to keep your dog active while staying safe indoors.
Give your dog interactive or treat-dispensing toys to keep them occupied. Not only do these toys provide mental stimulation, but they can also help to keep your dog distracted during noisy or stressful periods.

Conclusion

With some proper preparation and care, you can help to keep your dog safe and stress-free during New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations.

From providing them with a quiet retreat to securing your home to keep them safe, there are several steps you can take to protect your furry friend. By keeping these tips in mind, you and your dog can enjoy a happy and safe start to the new year.