New Year's Eve Pet Safety

Happy New Year from Companion Veterinary Mobile Center!

New Years Eve is a wonderful time to get together with friends and celebrate!

There are parties, food, music, firework celebrations and watching the ball, (or pineapple!) drop! These festivites are fun for us, but not always grand, safe or joyful for your pet. The excitement of the sparkling, popping and cracking sounds is often frightening for our animals. Without proper care, pets can get easily lost. We at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center want you and your pets to have a safe and happy holiday, so here are some helpful tips to help ensure you all have pleasant New Year’s Eve!

Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags that have your most current constact information. Cats should wear break away / safety collars to ensure they do not get caught on items in their environment while trying to hide. Of course, we also strongly encourage microchipping your pet – it is quick, easy, and the most permanent form of identification. Almost all vets/shelters have universal microchip scanners that can be used to help identify your pet if they are found. If you are unsure if your pet has one, we at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center do have a universal scanner and can check for you at your next appointment!

Don’t take your pet to the local New Years Eve fireworks festivities. An animal’s sense of hearing is much more sensitive than a human – those huge firework displays we love are much scarier and louder to our pets than they are to us. The sights and sounds are typically too overwhelming for them, and frightened outdoor dogs have been known to jump high fences and dig holes to escape the sound of fireworks. Indoor animals should also be kept away from large glass windows or doors – when scared they are capable of crashing right through.

Keep your pets indoors in a quiet area that is familiar to him / her with plenty of fresh water and some comforting items – bedding, blankets, or toys that they enjoy. Dogs who are crate trained may feel safest in their kennels with several safe chew toys. Cats will do best in a bathroom or utility room with food, water and their litter box. It also helps to leave a radio or TV on, which both provides soothing sounds and helps cover some of the residual firework noises.

Make sure to keep all alcohol, festive foods / chocolates, floral arrangements and party decorations away from your pets. Once you hear a balloon pop, make sure to pick up the busted balloon pieces, which may attract curious kitties. A lot of these items will look like toys or tasty snacks to your pet, but can result in a serious intestinal blockage if eaten. It’s also wise to avoid feeding leftovers: turkey, pork and ham can cause pancreatitis or severe GI upset. Alcohol can be dangerous and deadly to both dogs and cats as well.

With these tips in mind, you and your pet should be able to enjoy a safe, fun New Year’s Eve celebration! Happy New Year to all of you, from us at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center!