Ditch those fireworks and loud parties and embrace a pet-friendly celebration to ensure your four-legged companions feel included in the new year festivities.
The year 2024 comes to an end, which brings the perfect opportunity to spend the New Year’s Eve with those you love the most—including your furry friends! Let’s find out some innovative and safe ways to ring in the new year with adorable paw-sitive vibes.
Decorate your home with pet-safe decorations and avoid small items that can be easily swallowed. Keep fun, themed accessories like a sparkly collar or a specialized party hat designed for your pets. Don't forget to make sure your dogs or cats feel comfortable in those outfit. Don't put any tight straps or restrictive clothing. Set the mood of your pets by creating a playlist full of calming music. Consider some ambient sounds to counteract the noisy fireworks outside. Don't forget to keep their favorite blankets, toys, and a quiet space. It will create a cozy environment for them. The quiet place will be identical if they need a break.
Food is an integral part of New Year’s Eve celebrations. But don't forget your furry friends. Prepare some pet-friendly treats like homemade biscuits or snacks. You can even prepare “mocktails” for your pets such as bone broth for dogs or tuna water for cats. Serve them in a fancy bowls. We often do the mistake of not giving enough attention to foods prepared for humans during these parties. These foods (alcohol, chocolate, or foods seasoned with onions and garlic) are sometimes toxic to pets. Be careful in keeping food items separately.
What pets love the most? It's funtime. So, you must keep your pets entertained with fun activities. Don't forget their preferences. Some dogs enjoy the game of fetching the glowing ball or a tug-of-war match. For the later one, use a festive rope toy. Your cats might be engaged with laser pointers or even feather toys to mimic their countdown chase. Do you want a quieter option? Organize a puzzle toy scavenger hunt around your home. Hide the treats in interactive toys and let your pets hunt their rewards. It can be a great distraction from loud noises.
The most exciting part of new year celebration is countdown. You should allow your pet to be part of this countdown. This can be in the form of extra cuddles as the clock strikes 12 AM. You can simply hug your pet while doing the countdown.
Well, that's the most important part of the celebration. The fireworks or loud noises from outside can be very distressing for the pets. Ensure the ID tag or microchip information of your pet are up-to-date in case they run away after getting frightened. Close the windows and doors to reduce noise. If your pet are anxious, don't forget to consult with your veterinarian about calming aids. There are several anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers, which help them to stay relaxed.
The celebration on New Year’s Eve is all about togetherness. It is the beginning of the year with joy and love. Prioritize your pet’s comfort and happiness to create lasting memories and paw-sitive vibes.
