Pets and Fireworks: Boom-Proofing Your Furbabies' New Year's Eve

As the clock ticks toward midnight, anticipation and excitement build for New Year's Eve—the grand finale of the year. But when the skies sparkle with fireworks, it is also the time when our pets' nerves fizzle. So, to enjoy all the cheering and toasting, let's make it the same for our beloved furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips to boom-proof the celebration and keep tails and whiskers wagging through the incredible sights!

The Fireworks Frenzy, aka the Furry Freakouts

While fireworks light up the sky for us hoomans, it's a different story for our beloved pets. They're a sensory overload, and most of the time, it's not a pleasant experience for them. Their sensitive hearing amplifies every crackle and bang of these frightful flashes. In addition, the sudden and unpredictable nature of the sounds can add to their anxiety. 

If we look at it from their perspective, imagine a giant horn blaring in our ears without warning, completely out of the blue. No build-up, no pattern, just a deafening noise that goes on and on. Also, the bright lights and vibrations can wreak havoc and confuse them even more, resulting in a terrifying experience for our pets. What they need is some boom-proofing, which we'll show you how.

Prepping for the Fireworks Show

Now, for the calm before the storm, let's do some prepping for the fireworks frenzy. Before the first boom happens, set the stage for a calmer celebration:

Create a safe, cozy corner: Gather a few of your pets' favorite things—toys, blankets, pillows, maybe a piece of your clothing for added assurance. Make sure to find a quiet spot where they can retreat, maybe a cabinet, crate, or under the bed.

Try music therapy: Playing soothing tunes can do wonders for anxious pets. Search for pet-calming playlists or some white noise to mask the startle sparkles and pet panic rockets.

Pre-fireworks desensitization: You can consider prepping weeks before by getting them used to the sounds. Play soft recordings of fireworks, slowly increasing the volume. Pair the experience with treats, cuddles, or playtime to help them associate the sights and sounds with positive vibes.

Keeping Calm in the Chaos

While the frightful flashes are happening, keeping our cool is important. They say not all heroes wear capes, so be the superhero your pet needs by staying calm amidst the chaos:

Use a few distraction techniques: Keep your pets' minds occupied with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing gadgets, or a fun game. A ball stuffed with their favorite snack can be the lifesaver you're looking for. Give them something tasty to focus on instead of the ruckus outside.

Stay home and stay chill: Your presence is the most reassuring thing for your pets. Sit with them, talk to them in a hushed and soothing tone, and avoid showing your stress to them. Pets have the fantastic ability to pick up your emotions.

Try calming aids: For the more anxious pets, you may want to try calming products such as CBD treats, snug vests, or vet-prescribed remedies. Just make sure to try these out in advance to see how they respond.

The Don'ts of New Year's Eve Pet Care

Even with the best of intentions, it's always easy to make mistakes when you're trying your hardest to comfort your pet during fireworks. Here are a few major furry faux pas to keep in mind: 

Don't scold your pet for being scared: Fear is a natural response for your pets, and punishing them for it will only worsen their anxiety. Instead, offer them lots of comfort and understanding. Your calm reassurance will work wonders.

Don't leave them alone: As much as possible, stay home or arrange for someone your pets trust to keep them company. Being alone during fireworks can heighten their fear, and your presence can make a world of difference.

Secure your home: Fireworks can send the calmest pets into panic, which can lead to frantic escapes. Make sure that all your doors, windows, and fences are secure to prevent your furry friend from bolting. If they still have no microchip or updated tags, it's the best time to get them.

Don't ignore their body language: Your pet won't be able to speak what's on their mind, but you can see their fear through body language. Watch for signs such as trembling, pacing, or hiding, and respond to these with comfort and calm.

Don't overfeed them: Sometimes, we tend to overfeed our pets out of guilt. It's very tempting, especially when we see them respond positively to a treat here and there. However, this can upset their stomachs and do more harm than good. Stick to their usual portions or use high-value treats sparingly to distract them.

Don't expose them to the fireworks: Some people think exposing their pets will get them used to it. Don't force them to watch or listen to fireworks up close, as this can only increase their stress. Keep them indoors and away from windows and the areas where the sounds are the loudest.

After the Fireworks

When the fireworks finally fade, it's time for calm after the storm. Here's how to help your pets recover and get back to their happy selves:

Give them extra TLC: Let your pets know that the storm has passed and they're safe. Sit beside them with soothing words and some gentle cuddles. Give them every bit of love and assurance to have them bouncing back.

Create a quiet environment: Keep the calm vibes going by keeping their cozy corner quiet. Dim the lights, turn on some soft music or white noise, and let them relax.

Check for any injuries: If your pet panicked, check for any scratches, especially if they tried to hide or escape. See if they have hurt themselves and check their bodies to ensure they're physically okay.

Check if they ingested anything harmful: Make sure your pet didn't accidentally ingest any fireworks debris that may be outside your garden or yard. Clean any leftover fireworks, wrappers, or toxic materials.

Reward them for being good pets: After calming down, give them treats or engage in their favorite activity to reinforce positive feelings and help them reset.