New Year’s Eve is almost here. No matter what your plans are, have you made plans for or with your pets/dogs? Cici and I will spend New Year’s Eve inside. And many people opt to stay home and have a party with a few friends. If you go out or stay inside, here are a few tips to keep the furry ones safe.
1. If you are going out for the evening, make sure that your pets are safe and secure inside the house. Perhaps hiring a pet sitter or boarding your pet is a good option, to keep your pets safe. There may be fireworks and loud noises that will frighten your dog. The last thing you want is for your dog to run away.
2. Be sure your dog has her collar and current tags on with all of your pertinent info, phone numbers, etc. Even if your dog is microchipped, having this info on the tag/collar will help if someone finds your dog away from home.
3. Have a few pictures of each of your pets in different poses and settings to ensure that you’ll be reunited with a lost pet. You probably have a lot of photos of your pets either around your home or floating around in your digital camera.
4. Don’t drink and drive and do not give your pets any booze. Alcohol can be toxic to dogs. Party snacks like chocolates, raisins, grapes, and more should stay out of reach, too. If you have guests over for the evening, keep your dog safely away from unsupervised drinks and snacks.
Help your human guests stay safe by following these tips:
Ensure that all guests have a ride to and from their destination in a car driven by a non-drinking designated driver
Plan activities that take the focus away from drinking, and make non-alcoholic beverages including water readily available
Serve high-protein snacks to slow down alcohol absorption
Stop serving alcohol at least 90 minutes before a party ends, and serve guests coffee or dessert
Take car keys from intoxicated guests who plan to drive home.
Be prepared to let your guests stay the night as an alternative to them driving home after drinking.
AAA offers free rides for the intoxicated. Tipsy Tow service provides a complimentary ride and vehicle tow up to three miles from the point of pickup to drivers who have consumed alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Tipsy Tow service is available to members and non-members. Ask for a Tipsy Tow by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (222-4357)
5. Keep your pet in a separate room during the evening. Provide water, toys, a comfortable bed and litter for cats. Leave a television, soothing music or radio on to block out frightening noises. Not only will this keep your pet safely in the house, but will also help reduce his or her stress throughout the evening.
6. Do you know how your pets respond to loud noises? Noisemakers, champagne corks and more can be dangerous for children and pets, especially if they shoot across the room or break into pieces. Keep children and pets away from these and also from fireworks.
7. Party decorations such as balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti are not good for your dog’s digestive system. Keep pets in a separate room so they do not have access to the decorations. If they do swallow something, consult a veterinarian immediately.
8. Might be a good idea to tucker your dog out with a long walk or exercise session before the partying begins.
9. If your dog is invited to a dog party or event for New Year’s, or you decide to invite a few doggie pals over to your house, make sure that all of the dogs are safe by providing healthy dog treats, lots of water, toys and games for them to play. Keep it short and fun and end it way before midnight.
Help your pet ring in the New Year with you by ensuring that he or she has a comfortable and safe evening.
Tomorrow we will highlight a few doggie items for bringing in the New Year with style. Stay tuned.
