6 New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Dogs

Britt
by Britt
Updated:  December 27th, 2022

New Year’s Eve is an exciting time as we welcome a year full of new opportunities. It’s often a time that we associate with celebrations and excitement with friends and family. But, for our dogs, the festivities surrounding New Year’s Eve can be a time of extreme stress and anxiety.

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As you make plans for the holidays ahead, here are six steps you can take to keep your dog both safe and comfortable.


Keep Your Dog Indoors


Even if your dog normally enjoys spending time outside, the safest place for your dog to be on New Year’s Eve is inside. Loud noises like fireworks may cause your dog to bolt in search of cover. This leads to a high number of dogs going missing every year at this time. Take your dog outside for short bathroom breaks and avoid going out during an active fireworks display.


Double-Check Identification


Make sure that your dog is wearing appropriate identification. Take the time to check your dog’s ID tag to ensure that the information is legible and up to date. If your dog does escape at any point during the night, this will greatly increase the likelihood that they will be returned home safely.


Create a Safe Space


Make sure that your dog has a safe space to retreat to if they are feeling scared or anxious. If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party, this should be a room or space away from the activity. Keep any windows closed to help reduce the sound of fireworks in the area. Include things that make your dog feel more comfortable and relaxed such as their dog bed or a favorite blanket. If you have a television or radio in the room, you can also turn that on for a comforting distraction from outside noises.


Consider Offering a Distraction


One way to help your dog overcome any stress or anxiety during this time is to offer a distraction. Food puzzle toys and interactive dog toys, like a KONG toy frozen with some tasty treats, can give your dog something positive to focus on.


Keep Alcohol Out of Reach


The sweet smell of alcohol may be tempting for your dog. Our dogs can’t metabolize alcohol as well as we can making all types of alcohol very dangerous. The warning signs of alcohol toxicity in dogs include drooling, vomiting, decreased respiratory rate, low body temperature, lethargy, depression, loss of coordination, and weakness. If you believe your dog may have consumed any alcohol, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Consider Anti-Anxiety Supplements and Medications


There are many great anti-anxiety supplements and calming treats on the market that could help your dog relax and get through New Year’s Eve safely. If you aren’t comfortable giving your dog a supplement, there are other options available. Consider using Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP) to naturally calm your dog. You may also wish to try a calming wrap like the Thundershirt.


If the natural options aren’t working and your dog has a history of anxiety, contact your veterinarian to discuss medications. There are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that your vet can recommend for use on an as-needed basis during times of high stress. Never give your dog medications without first consulting with your veterinarian to avoid unnecessary complications. 

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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Causes of Dry Nose in Cats Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for: It’s Your Cat’s “Normal” I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is. Dry Air Conditions One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home. While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier. Close Proximity to a Heat Source Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play. Dehydration Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage. Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include: Sticky, pale gums Sunken eyesLoss of appetiteDark colored urine  ConstipationLethargy Weakness or collapseThere are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement. Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!Sunburned Nose Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking.  Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

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