Noise, smoke and colorful lights – this is how we say goodbye to the old year on December 31st. While the fireworks on New Year's Eve are great fun for most people, the noise is a real torture for our pets.
They are stressed, afraid and often hide under the sofa or bed, shaking.
Wild animals such as birds also suffer from the celebrations. While we can only help wild animals to a limited extent, there are a few ways we can make the night more bearable for our pets.
You should think about this a few days and weeks in advance and prepare your pets for the situation at the turn of the year. If in doubt, there is still time to get help from professionals such as animal trainers or veterinarians.
New Year's Eve with a dog or cat: Owners should take precautions
Fireworks are incredibly loud: According to theTechnicians' Health InsuranceThey can reach a noise level of up to 173 decibels. And animals have much more sensitive hearing than we do. No wonder they get scared!
To keep stress as low as possible on New Year's Eve, you can take these measures before the actual event:
- Don't let outdoor cats leave the house the day before (and after) New Year's Eve. Often there is a lot of “bumping” not only during New Year’s Eve, but also on the days before and after.
- Keep your dogs on a leash when walking and avoid heavily populated areas. It's best after New Year's Eve - because then there are often still rocket remains and shards on the streets.
- Be sure to register your pets using the chip number, for example atTasso. If your animal escapes in fear, you can be reunited.
- Make your day as normal as possible and don't let yourself get thrown out of your routine.
- Close all doors and windows. It's best to draw the curtains or lower the blinds. To dampen the noise from outside as much as possible, you can also use a blanket or a towel to close the gap under the front door.
- To desensitize your pet, you can play the sound of fireworks a few weeks beforehand.
Does your pet suffer from severe panic attacks? Then talk to your vet. A sedative may be the right solution.
Calm dogs on New Year's Eve
Remember: Your animals are often based on you and your emotional state. If you are excited, it is very likely that your dog will mirror the behavior. So: take a deep breath, stay calm and relax. If your animal still seems very upset, you can support them in the following ways:
Create distraction
Many dogs find it helpful to keep them busy. Play with your four-legged friends, distract them with treats, for example in the sniffing mat, with search games or run around with your favorite toy. Some dogs are helped by snacks that contain calming ingredients, such as Care Snack Calm & Relax byHappy Dog, here at Fressnapf🛒*.
Licking calms you down
So-called lick mats (here atZooRoyal*) can help your dog calm down a little. To do this, spread some liver sausage or cream cheese on the licking mat and offer your dog the snack before things really start outside.
By the way:You can also redirect your dog’s attention with music, the television or so-called “white noise” or “brown noise”. The background noise can muffle the banging noises of celebrations and firecrackers.
Don't pamper yourself too much
Sure, calming encouragement and petting are a good idea. But be careful not to leave the “normal” range of affection. It could unsettle your dog if you respond to every noise with excessive love and attention.
Offer a place to retreat
For some animals it is more natural to seek closeness to you, others prefer to hide away. Give your dog the opportunity to hide behind the sofa, under the bed or other places.
Let your favorite choose. After all, he or she knows best where it feels safest.
Don't leave alone
Even if your dog hides, you should not leave him alone. Stay close so your pet can seek comfort from you, even if that means you may have to change rooms.
Anti-Stress West
The animal protection organizationFour pawsalso recommends anti-stress vests (you can find them hereAmazon*) to calm dogs. You put these on your dog like a harness. The vest then applies gentle pressure to the chest, which can reduce anxiety.
If you decide to take this step, you should try out the vest a few times beforehand so that your dog can get used to it.
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Calm cats on New Year's Eve
Cats also react very sensitively to the sounds of New Year's Eve. Some cats even become so afraid that they.... If this happens, you should forgive your loved one - after all, it is an exception. You can help anxious cats in these ways:
Take precautions
Close all windows and doors as well as the cat flap if you have one. It's best to have your velvet paw chipped in advance and e.g. E.g. register with Tasso. This way you can be reunited if the cat flees in fear.
Offer retreats
Open the doors in your apartment to give your cat access under beds, on top of closets, or behind the sofa. You can also build hiding places and caves where your cat can retreat. Give your darling a free choice.
Play music
Some cats find soft music very calming. Find out in advance whether your cat is a music lover. If so, you can try to distract your cat from the noise on New Year's Eve with the gentle sounds.
Distraction is good
Maybe your cat would like to play with his favorite toy? Offer your cat variety. This can calm you down and take your attention away from the unusual outside noises. Similar to dogs, cats can also be offered a licking mat, see above.
Stroking or distance
Animals cannot be lumped together - especially not cats! While some domestic cats seek proximity to their humans when they are unsettled, others are aloof and prefer to hide.
If your cat remains distant, you should accept that. However, if your pet comes to cuddle, you can calm it down this way.
Fragrances for anxiety
According to the food manufacturerPurinaLavender oil, lemon balm or anise oil are also said to calm stressed cats. Please use sparingly! Certain diffusers (like this one fromAmazon*) can also be helpful. Fragrances are distributed throughout the room via the steam.
Suitable for:
Even small animals are afraid on New Year's Eve
Not only dogs and cats, but also hamsters, guinea pigs etc. as well as birds are extremely susceptible to stress. To protect the animals from injuries and protect their little hearts, you should take appropriate measures.
Bring in animals kept outside
If your pet's cage or enclosure is outside, it's best to bring them inside for New Year's Eve. In addition to the apartment, a garden shed or an empty garage is also an option here. The main thing is that it is protected from noise and light.
Provide hiding places
Additional hiding places are not a bad idea, especially for rodents. For example, you can put more litter in the cage. The small animals can bury themselves in it and hide from the noises.
Cover cages
Blankets over the cage also help to protect the animals. This means that noises are dimmed and the lights no longer scare your pets. But make sure that there is enough air in the enclosure.
It's also best to lower the blinds or close the curtains.
Of course, every animal reacts differently to New Year's Eve. While our tips can help calm your animals, you of course know best how your pet reacts. Take care of her, calm her down and soon the night will be over!
