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HAPPY NEW YEAR - BUT SPARE A THOUGHT FOR YOUR PETS !

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

If you are celebrating this New Years Eve in style with family, friends, loud music and fireworks - don't forget your pets !

Although some dogs (and a few cats) are true party animals and will join in with your humanoid celebrations, many pets are not happy at the disruption caused during the Festive Season - and in particular pets can be terrified by the loud bangs caused by party poppers and fireworks.

Here are some tips that might help tonight :

  • Pets should be kept indoors this evening to prevent accidents 
  • Preferably, keep cats and dogs in a quite room that they are familiar with. For small mammals (eg rabbits, guinea pigs) and birds  keep them in their hutch or cage - preferably in a quite dark place (eg the garage). Put a blanket over bird cages.
  • Ideally, keep them in a sound-proofed part of the house. Double-glazed windows help
  • Draw the curtains if your pet is likely to be startled by flashing lights outside
  • If you are having a party at home lock your pets in a part of the house that is off-limits for the louder revellers
  • Select fireworks that are pretty but which do not emit a loud BANG
  • If your pet usually gets terrified on Bonfire Night and at other times when fireworks are let off - consider re-homing it for the night at a friends house in the country, or (if it's not too late) find space in a kennel or cattery
  • If your pet usually hates fireworks and you cannot avoid exposure to them tonight - speak to your veterinarian - some form of tranquilizer or sedative might be beneficial
  • DO NOT give human tranquilizers or sedatives to your pet unless your veterinarian advises you to do so
  • Finally, just in case you overindulge in the waters of Baccus and end up missing the whole of New Years Day - make sure you put out enough water and food for your pet for 2 days!

 

Updated October 2013