The greeting to the old year and the welcome to the new one is for us a typical moment of celebration and fun, but unfortunately it is not at all, however, for our four-legged friends.

The very loud noises due to the outbreak of fireworks, barrels and firecrackers , with which we usually celebrate this passage, cause in our animals a strong fear , which will lead dogs and cats to escape and try to hide. The effect of fear can range from discomfort, to disorientation, through anxiety, to the onset of real panic attacks.

Cats, but especially dogs, are in fact considerably more sensitive to noise than we are, and they feel these outbursts in a much more amplified way (besides not knowing the cause) and for this reason, in such delicate moments, we must pay attention to them and take precautions in advance to avoid even serious problems. For this reason, for example, the dog is afraid of thunderstorms , and when they are particularly strong, it is always good to pay extra attention to our dog.

New Year’s Eve for our furry friends is one of the worst: it often coincides with loss and in the worst cases, deaths, of our beloved animals. It is therefore important to be well prepared for this event to protect our puppies.

Here are some useful tips to tackle New Year’s Eve intelligently, and keep our furry friends safe:

  1. Stay with your dog or cat : don’t leave him alone to face this scary moment for him.
  2. It goes without saying, but don’t take your dog out for a walk during those hours, and generally don’t let him out.
  3. Don’t leave the dog outside . Neither in the garden – where, in a panic, he could climb over the fences and end up in the street – nor on the terrace, because he could try to throw himself off the balcony. Least of all leaving the dog tied to the chain: it could choke in search of escape.
  4. Bring the animal indoors , and before the barrels begin, close doors and windows well to minimize noise as much as possible. Take care to also close the blinds and lower the blinds to avoid seeing the bright flashes of the bangs.
  5. Get rid of all potentially dangerous objects that your pet could run over during his escape and with which he could injure himself or risk injury.
  6. Once at home, try to distract your pet with games or other activities that you know are enjoyable if possible. If you want to know how to play with the dog, read here how to do it best .
  7. To hide the sound of the barrels a little, turn on the radio or television .
  8. Place familiar and reassuring items near him , such as the food bowl, the water bowl, and any toys.
  9. Avoid feeding him 3-4 hours before the fires start: anxiety and fear could induce vomiting (which in the worst cases can lead to suffocation).
  10. When the dog runs off and goes into hiding… let him and ignore him . Avoid scolding, calling, comforting, or stroking him. In fact, each of these gestures, if implemented during his state of fear and discomfort, will only confirm it and therefore amplify it. Try not to consider your dog or cat at these times, and only give him some cuddles when he has calmed down and out of his safe haven.
  11. If your dog exhibits more prominent signs of discomfort than those described during loud and unusual noises, see a behaviorist veterinarian in time. The same if your dog or cat is elderly and has heart problems.
  12. If you have guests for dinner, instruct them on what to do and what to avoid, especially in the presence of children, explaining them not to pet the animal in this particular situation.

It is a gesture of deep love, as well as responsibility, to decide to spend New Year’s Eve with your pet , giving up a little fun that we could give ourselves at any other time, to be next to him in a moment like this. particular need.