Fireworks and Loud Noises

Fireworks are synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations, but the loud noises, bright flashes, and chaos can be overwhelming for pets. Dogs and other animals with heightened sensitivity to sound are especially prone to fear and anxiety during these festivities. Without proper precautions, they may become stressed, frightened, or even attempt to escape in search for a safe location, which is why its important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort, both indoors and outdoors!

INSIDE

It’s best to keep pets indoors during fireworks, as they are highly sensitive to loud noises, bright flashes, and strong smells. Set up a safe, quiet space for them to retreat to, ideally in a room away from windows and doors. Setting up their bed or crate in this area can offer comfort and provide a sense of security. To help drown out the noise of fireworks, play calming music, white noise, or turn on the TV. Engaging them with their favorite toys or treats can also help distract them from the commotion outside. Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent escape attempts if they become startled.

OUTSIDE

If you plan to take your pets to a fireworks display, preparation is essential for their safety and comfort. Choose a location away from crowds and as far from the fireworks as possible to minimize noise. Always keep your pets leashed and consider a secure harness for safety. Bring familiar items, such as their favorite blanket or toys, and ensure they stay hydrated while offering treats as distractions. Monitor their behavior for signs of stress, and be ready to leave early if they become anxious. If needed, consider a muzzle (if they are trained to wear one) or calming aids recommended by your veterinarian. Prioritize their well-being over staying for the entire event, and don’t hesitate to leave if they become too stressed or agitated.

For pets with severe anxiety or extreme reactions to fireworks, anti-anxiety medications can be a helpful solution. If you know your pet becomes highly stressed during loud events, consult your veterinarian ahead of time. They can recommend medications or natural calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, which may help soothe your pet during fireworks. In some cases, your vet may also suggest a training plan to gradually desensitize your pet to loud noises, which can be beneficial for long-term anxiety management. Always follow your vet’s guidance for administering any medication to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.

While decorations add to the festive New Year’s Eve atmosphere, they can also attract curious pets and lead to serious health risks. Avoid using tinsel, streamers, confetti, and glitter, as they can result in digestive issues if ingested. Watch out for strings and ribbons, which can lead to choking or blockages. When setting out party favors, choose pet-safe options that lack small parts or toxic substances, or keep them stored high out of reach until guests are ready to leave. Additionally, be cautious with balloons, as they can create choking hazards when unused or popped; store uninflated balloons securely in closed drawers or elevated locations and throw away popped balloons immediately.qa

Thanksgiving is all about indulging in delicious meals surrounded by loved ones—including our pets! While it's tempting to share a little holiday joy with your furry family members, many of the foods we enjoy can be harmful to them. From hidden ingredients to unsafe leftovers, it's important to know which dishes to keep away from curious noses and what pet-friendly options you can safely offer.

• Platters, Spreads, and Skewers: During New Year’s celebrations, platters are a crowd favorite, for their convenience and accessibility.  However, many platter items can pose serious hazards if pets get into them, from toxic ingredients to choking risks.  To keep your pets safe, always place platters on high tables or surfaces that are out of their reach to prevent any attempts to sneak food. After the celebrations, promptly clean up any leftover food to reduce the temptation for pets to rummage through the trash or reach leftover platters. Below are some common items and their risks:
• Cheese: While your pet may love cheese, it can be high in fat and lead to digestive issues or pancreatitis. 
• Vegetable Trays: While most vegetables are safe, some, like onions, garlic, and avocados, can be toxic to pets. 
• Shrimp Cocktail: Shrimp shells can be a choking hazard for pets and though shrimp itself isn’t toxic, the seasonings and sauces often used can be. 
• Fruit Platters: While some fruits are safe in moderation, steer clear of grapes and raisins, as they are highly toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure, even in small quantities.
• Charcuterie Boards: Processed meats often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and spices, all of which can be harmful to pets. Avoid any items with garlic, onion, or excessive salt.
• Skewers: Meat skewers can contain bones that splinter, veggie skewers may have toxic seasonings like garlic or onions, and fruit skewers can contain grapes which are extremely toxic. Additionally, the wooden or metal skewers themselves can be hazardous if pets chew on them, leading to potential injuries or blockages.
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• Party Mixes: Party Mixes: party mixes are another go-to for gatherings, and while they are fun for us, they can also be risky for our pets.  Here are some common mixes and the risks:
• Chex Mix: Many pre-packaged mixes often include seasonings such as garlic and onion powder, both of which are toxic to pets. Additionally, the high salt content can cause dehydration or even sodium ion poisoning if consumed excessively.
• Trail Mix: Trail mix often contains chocolate, raisins, and nuts, all of which can be harmful to pets.
• Popcorn: Flavored popcorn (such as butter, cheese, or caramel) may have additives that upset your pet’s stomach, and unpopped kernels can pose a choking hazard.
• Party Snacks (Chips, Pretzels, etc.): Many party snacks, like chips and pretzels, are high in salt and preservatives. Flavored varieties may contain onion or garlic powder, and cheese balls or crackers can be hard for pets to digest.
  
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• Sweet Treats: Chocolates contain theobromine, which is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases even death. Many candies have xylitol,  a sugar substitute, which can lead to seizures or liver failure. High-sugar treats can also upset stomachs and contribute to obesity. Keep all treats stored out of reach of pets and remind guests not to feed them or leave them unattended on tabletops.
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• Alcohol & Caffeinated Drinks:  Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious issues like vomiting, disorientation, impaired coordination, and even respiratory failure in pets. Caffeine can lead to restlessness, rapid heart rate, and muscle tremors. Be sure to remind guests to keep all alcoholic and caffeinated drinks far out of your pets’ reach.
• Keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy: 888-426-4435. If your pet eats something dangerous or gets into something they shouldn’t, call your vet or the Poison Control Center immediately.

Holiday trash can hide serious hazards for pets, as they often can’t or won't distinguish between actual food and items like wrappers, confetti, or broken decorations. Ingesting any of these can result in choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or even poisoning. To protect your curious four-legged family members, be sure to secure trash cans with lids and promptly dispose of any leftovers and holiday debris.