Loud music, fireworks, bangs, people shouting… It might all be part of the fun for us humans but New Year’s Eve can be a terrifying time for our pets. It’s the most common time for our pet pooches to run away as they try to escape those scary noises in the sky. They jump fences, dig underneath them… there have even been cases when dogs have jumped through glass to escape.
We’ve put together some tips to ensure your hound stays safe and comfortable this New Year’s Eve.
BEFORE THE EVENT:
Get a nice walk in early on
A long walk before any of the partying begins will help to tire out your hound and use up some of their excess energy.
Are your details up to date?
Make sure your hound has their martingale or house collar on with your contact details clearly listed on the tag. That way someone can contact you if the worst happens and they escape. We also recommend ensuring your microchip details are up to date.
History of anxiety with fireworks?
If you know your hound is historically scared during storms and fireworks, speak to your vet in advance. If appropriate, they may recommend a short-acting medication. Administered prior, this will help to reduce your hound’s stress.
DURING THE CELEBRATIONS:
Ensure they have a safe space
It’s imperative that you have a safe space for your hound. This should be inside the house where they are safe from harm. When left outdoors, a frightened hound may escape in the hopes of finding their own safe space. Much like you would during a thunderstorm, set your hound up with blankets, close blinds and play classical music to drown out the noise.
Some strategies when your hound is visibly stressed
Stay close to your hound and keep calm. A calm and soothing familiar voice can be very relaxing for them. Create a positive association with the loud noises by giving your hound treats. Remember that if they are above threshold they may no longer take treats. Some hounds also find comfort in blankets, snoods and thundershirts.
Don’t be afraid to comfort your hound!
Fear and anxiety are emotional responses not learned responses. They can’t be reinforced by comfort.
HOSTING A PARTY?:
Same rules apply!
Please ensure they have a safe space to retreat where they can be away from partygoers. Manage the environment with tools like baby gates when needed. Check in on your hound frequently to monitor stress levels. Take the time to comfort them if they are displaying signs of anxiety. Provide them with enrichment, and have some classical music playing to drown out the noise. If you can’t provide a safe space for your hound, we recommend you consider a hound sitter here too.
Keep them away from the human food
Parties can be a recipe for disaster for pooches. Especially those who like to counter surf, eat crumbs off the floor or enjoy what guests hand out. Please ensure your hound does not have access to any human foods. If they eat anything dangerous get them to the vet as soon as possible.
Pay attention to their body language
If your hound is panting heavily, drooling, freezing, growling, pacing, licking excessively or demonstrating avoidance, they are displaying signs of distress. Remove your hound from the situation and take them to their safe space.
Give them some enrichment
Give your hound something to do with some enrichment. This will help keep them busy and distract them by using up some mental energy. You can find some great ideas here.
WHEN YOUR HOUND IS GOING TO BE ALONE:
Consider a hound sitter!
Does your hound get anxious during fireworks when your home? Well, the only thing more terrifying for them is going to be enduring the situation when home alone. We recommend engaging a hound sitter for the night, or asking someone you trust to watch over your hound.
Our hounds look to us for guidance and rely on us to keep them safe from harm. Forward thinking, planning and following these tips can help you to prevent any problems and ensure that your pooch has a happy New Year’s Eve.