New Years Eve & Your Pet

Loud noises and commotion can cause even the calmest of pets to stress. While New Year’s Eve is often fun for us, for our animals it can be stressful and unpleasant.  When a pet gets scared, they will often try to escape the cause of fear thus leading to New Year’s Eve being the night of the highest run-away rates for pets. Here are some things you can do to help your pet:

Distract. Your behaviour will often affect your pet’s. By staying calm and treating her the same way as you usually would allow your pet to calmly play through any loud noises. If she shows no interest in playing, don’t force her.

Find a Happy Place. Most pets have a happy place they like to go when they want a good nap or to reflect on the day. Use this spot when you notice your pet becoming stressed out by the noise. 

Stay Together. For most pets, their favourite place to snuggle is somewhere near their owner. Be it on their lap, next to their feet or curled up nice and close on the couch. If fireworks are going on in the neighbourhood and you are simply watching a movie, let your pet watch the movie with you. Often just being near their owner can calm a pet down. 

It’s important to remember that your pet is acting out of fear. So if your pet makes a mess or is a bit destructive don’t scold him or yell. Your pet is afraid and is finding a way to express this fear or even to escape it. Our pets are like family so while we’re having fun our pets should be too.