The slew of guests, fireworks, and festivities of the New Year may be exciting for humans, but it might be a different story for dogs and cats. Holiday-related activities may cause stress and anxiety for our furry companions.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we’ve put together vital tips on how to have a safe New Year’s Eve, and prevent cat and dog fireworks anxiety.
Why are Dogs & Cats Scared on New Years?
Fireworks are a common source of cat and dog anxiety during New Year’s Eve. Loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks can be frightening and overwhelming for our furry companions..
However, cat or dog fireworks anxiety is not the only thing to keep in mind. Dogs and cats can be stressed out by other elements of New Year’s Eve festivities, such as:
- Unfamiliar decorations
- Loud music and party activities
- Guests and small children
- Sparklers & party poppers
- Popping champagne bottles
Signs of Dog & Cat Anxiety During NYE
A. Dog Fireworks Anxiety or General Anxiety During New Year
So how exactly does one recognize dog fireworks anxiety or dog anxiety in general? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Cowering
- Hiding or seeking shelter in an enclosed space
- Urinating inside the house
- Panting or pacing
- Barking or whining
- Trembling or shaking
- Restlessness and being more alert than normal
- Seeking attention or reassurance
- Scratching at the floor
- Licking their lips or yawning
B. Cat Fireworks Anxiety or General Anxiety During New Year
Some cats can seem unfazed by fireworks and festivities because they tend to hide their distress. So if you’re wondering whether or not your cat is actually stressed out or afraid, look for the following signs of cat anxiety:
- Hiding or seeking shelter in an enclosed space
- Increased aggression or decreased tolerance
- Dilated pupils (even if the cat is in a well-lit area)
- Flat or sideways ears
- Crouching or walking uncharacteristically closer to the ground
- Trying to escape
Preventing Dog Anxiety: How Do I Keep my Dog Calm in New Year?
1. Establish a Safe Space
Provide a crate or a quiet room where your dog can retreat to if they are feeling anxious. This can help your canine companion feel safe if the festivities overwhelm them. Here are some helpful tips on creating a safe space for your dog:
- Keep the den away from the hustle and bustle
- Do not intrude into the dog’s safe space (and instruct your guests to do the same)
- Place familiar items, food, and bed sheets to help your dog feel safe
2. Play White Noise
White noise helps to drown out the sound of the fireworks and make your dog feel more at ease.
3. Give Your Dog Exercise Before New Year’s Eve
Try giving your dog some exercise before the fireworks start: Taking your dog for a walk or run before New Year’s Eve will tire them out and thereby reduce their anxiety.
4. Relax
One of the ways to help dogs calm down is to also be at ease. Dogs can recognize human verbal and nonverbal cues from their pet parents. This means that if a pet parent is agitated about their dog’s well-being on New Year’s Eve, this may unintentionally cause the dog to feel more fearful as well.
5. Added Precautions for the New Year
Never leave your dog outside unattended during New Year’s Eve. It is also important to make sure that your dog is wearing identification tags in case they manage to escape and get lost.
6. Dog Anxiety Meds & Other Calming Aids
Anxiety medication for dogs and calming supplements can help pets with moderate or severe anxiety. A ThunderShirt can also help reduce anxiety in some dogs by providing gentle pressure and a sense of security.
How Do I Calm My Cat Down in New Year?: Ways to Prevent Cat Anxiety
1. Give them Access to Hiding Spaces
Give your cat access to hiding spaces (e.g., secure rooms, cat hideaways, cat tunnels) in case they become overwhelmed by the commotion. In addition, stress can make cats more aggressive, so it is recommended to tell guests (especially small kids) to leave the cat alone if the cat is hiding or acting fearful.
2. Play Calming Music
Gentle music has a calming effect on cats. Before the hustle and bustle of the New Year festivities, try various types of calming music and see which one your cat responds to in the most relaxed way. This will be a good addition to your cat-calming tool kit on New Year’s Eve.
3. Consider ThunderShirts and Pheromone Diffusers
Though a ThunderShirt can work for some cats, not all cats like wearing something on their body. Also, some cats like to groom more when stressed and a ThunderShirt can get in the way.
Cat pheromone diffusers have a broader appeal among cats and may be more beneficial than ThunderShirts for keeping a cat calm during NYE. This device releases a harmless compound that helps reassure cats; in fact, some Fear Free veterinary clinics and cat grooming salons use these to help cats feel more comfortable.
4. Added Precautions for the New Year
Remember to always keep your cat inside during the New Year, especially when the fireworks start. Cats are escape artists, so make sure that all windows and doors are securely closed. To be on the safe side, make sure that your cat is wearing identification tags in case they do escape.
5. Considering Cat Anxiety Medication
If your cat has moderate or severe anxiety, we recommend reaching out to a veterinarian. Vets can help you determine if cat anxiety medications or calming supplements will be beneficial and safe for them.
Other Dog & Cat Safety Tips During New Year’s Eve
In addition to preparing for the major potential stressor of fireworks, there are a few additional practices to follow to keep your cat or dog safe and stress free during the holiday.
1. Keep NYE Decorations Out of Reach
Many decorations may contain small parts or materials that could become choking hazards if chewed and swallowed. Keep decorations out of your pet's reach to avoid any potential accidents.
2. Instruct Guests Not to Feed Pets
Some human foods can be toxic to pets. By controlling what your pets consume, you reduce the risk of accidental ingestion of harmful substances during the party.
3. Feed Pets Before the Party
If pets are fed before the party, they are less likely to beg for food during the event. This also reduces the chances of them searching for scraps that have fallen on the floor.
4. Keep Fireworks-Type Items Out of Reach
Fireworks and similar items often contain chemicals that can be toxic to pets if ingested. Dogs, in particular, may be attracted to the smell or appearance of these items, leading to potential ingestion.
Besides toxicity risks, there are risks of dogs and cats choking on small parts of fireworks or sustaining burns if they come into contact with lit items. Keeping these items out of reach is essential for pet safety during NYE.
Final Thoughts on Pet Safety & Wellbeing on NYE
This concludes our guide on keeping pets safe and calm during New Year’s Eve. We trust you found the information here helpful. As a final reminder, make sure to stock up on any needed calming supplements, medications, or pheromone diffuser refills before NYE, as stocks can run out closer to the date.
Sploot Vets: All-in-One Vet Care, 365 Days a Year
We are always here to help you through common New Year’s Eve challenges, such as dog fireworks anxiety, cat anxiety, pet injuries during New Year’s Eve, or toxic food ingestion.
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one veterinary care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one roof! We have multiple vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs.
Our vet clinic doors are open for extended hours, 365 days a year, including holidays like New Year’s Eve.
Easily book a vet appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
