New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Pets, Essential Safety Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know
With hyper sensitive hearing, many dogs and cats are bothered by the noise of fireworks. While some pets may hide, whine, or become stressed out, many bolt and easily become disoriented and lost. The Houston Humane Society has a few tips to ensure you and your furry companions have a safe, happy holiday.
- Plan ahead by exercising and walking pets well ahead of festivities.
- Keep your pet inside, and make sure they’re safe by securing any fences, doors, and windows. This can help prevent an escape if your pet panics.
- Update IDs like collars, tags, and microchip contact info in case they become lost.
- Minimize noise by running a fan, white noise machine, TV, or radio to help distract from the booms of fireworks.
- Practice fire safety. Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks and pet hair can easily catch fire if they get too close.
- Settle in for the evening and try to keep your pet calm. If you’re able to stay home, keep your best buddy comfortable.
If your pet needs a microchip, contact our Animal Clinic for an appointment. Call or text 713-433-6421 or fill out our appointment request form.
What to Do if Your Pet Is Lost
Start looking immediately! Don’t wait in hopes your pet will find his or her way home. Take a walk around the immediate area and speak to any neighbors, postal service workers, landscapers, or anyone who may have seen your lost pet. You know your pet best, so look in areas that your pet may have been interested in or comfortable hiding in. Most pets are found close to home.
Share their scent. Put a couple of your pet's favorite items near the most common entry ways into your home. The front door and the door into your yard would be the best locations. You can include items like their favorite bed, blanket, toys, their litterbox (if cat) and any other items they use frequently. Their scents may help them find their way home.
Don’t give up! Finding a lost pet can take time. Remember to regularly check websites that you have posted your lost pet on and make updates as needed. New lost and found pets are added regularly to Petco Love Lost and to your local shelters.
