There are no two ways around it – people celebrating New Year’s Eve sucks for pets. Loud events can be distressing for animals and really if you think about it, it’s not great for humans either.
RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott says dogs have very sensitive ears. ‘They hear ten times better than humans, so fireworks can be terrifyingly loud and stressful for them.’
It is important to keep your pets in mind when making plans for New Year’s Eve as many animals, including cats, dogs and horses, can be startled by end of year exploding light shows.
Tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable:
- Ensure your pet has a microchip and an ID tag
- Keep your pets secured indoors if possible
- Remove any objects at home that could cause injury to a panicking animal
- Leave on the TV or radio to mask the sound of the fireworks
- If your pet is particularly prone to panic, stay home with them
- If your pet is particularly afraid of fireworks, consider visiting the vet to inquire about medication
Pets can potentially flee and injure themselves as they try to escape the noise.
Please contact your local council for assistance if you come across a wandering pet, or if your own pet goes missing over the festive period, as it may be at their local animal care facility.
Will there be fireworks in our region?