New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate the passage of the old year and welcome the new. Our pets, however, find this holiday to be frightening and disorienting.
Bright, loud fireworks and large social gatherings can frighten pets, who may hide or even run away from home.
The Seattle Humane Society offers tips for ensuring that this holiday is safe for every member of the family.
Seattle Humane recommends keeping your pets safely indoors. A quiet room without windows (or with the windows covered) is best.
If you are having a get-together, ensure that your pets are safe in a room where guests will not intrude. Provide your cat or dog(s) with water, food, and a litter box, if applicable.
Seattle Humane also recommends creating a calm environment for your animals. Surround him or her with familiar objects, including blankets, favorite toys, or articles of clothing from your laundry that have your scent.
In the event that your pet does get loose - and lost - updated identification is key to their return. Pets have been known to jump out of windows or break the glass in closed windows to escape the sound of fireworks during New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July.
Area shelters often see an increase of animals during these times.
If your pets are microchipped with an updated address telephone number(s), someone who finds your pet will be able to find you.
Ensure that your animals have identification tags that are also updated.
If your pet does become lost, the Missing Pet Partnership has tips on the behavior of pets who become lost.
From Seattle Pets Examiner, Happy New Year! May 2013 truly be a wonderful year for the animals.
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