Munich. Every year they come again: the holidays. For many of our pets, New Year's Eve is probably the most stressful day of the year. Not only experts in the area of pet supplies work at zooplus, but also countless “pet parents”. Shortly before the turn of the year, zooplus Editorial Manager Luisa Schmidt once again gives valuable recommendations and insider tips for the upcoming celebrations.
Luisa is a dog mom herself and has been writing specialist articles for zooplus magazine for several years. That's why she also knows: Loud noises, bright flashes of light and unfamiliar smells from the fireworks can lead to sensory overload and panic in our animals. To avoid exactly that, here are five tips for a more relaxed New Year's Eve with pets:
1. Maintain calm & routines
“The most important rule on New Year’s Eve is: stay calm. When we are stressed, it also affects our pets. Conversely, this also means that we can mitigate a stressful situation for our animals with a calm manner,” says zooplus expert Luisa.
Tip: Stick to daily routines. Changing feeding times can further worry animals.
2. Animals in, noise out
Outdoor cats and dogs running outdoors can be frightened by loud bangs and run away. In the worst case, this can have dramatic consequences. For example, a collision with a vehicle can occur near the road. Expert Luisa therefore recommends: “Outdoor cats should be brought inside early enough. It's also best to plan a long walk with the dog earlier in the day. We recommend keeping dogs on a leash on the days before and after New Year's Eve, as unfortunately people often set off fireworks.”
Tip: Close all windows and doors and lower the blinds. This is how you reduce the noise. Also place favorite beds, caves and toys in quiet corners. The familiar smell gives the animals security and they know immediately where they can retreat to.
3. Celebrate with your loved ones
And of course our loved ones mean our pets! No matter how great and big your friends' New Year's Eve party may be, don't leave your pets alone on New Year's Eve. Expert Luisa says: “Our society creates security for our animals and is the best remedy for stress.”
Additional insider tip: There is an absolute ban on fireworks around airports. Many pet owners therefore move to an airport hotel for a night to simply avoid the worst of the stress and celebrate with their loved ones there.
4. Skillful ignorance and consensual diversionary tactics
Whether with treats, petting or toys, distract your pet as soon as the firecrackers start. But don't overdo it. Only play or cuddle within the framework in which your animal allows it and feels comfortable.
“It’s important to show a certain level of ignorance. But not in a bad way. It's more about behaving normally and ignoring the fear to some extent. Because it's a vicious circle – the more you deal with the fear, the more our dogs and cats usually get into it,” says Luisa.
Tip: Everyday background noises cause distraction and allow dull banging to fade into the background. For example, simply leave your radio playing quietly.
5. Get support from nature
You can support your pets with plant-based calming remedies such as Bach flower preparations. Pheromone atomizers or sprays can also help. The artificial pheromones are modeled on those that mother dogs and cats release when they suckle their offspring. They also give adult dogs and cats security and the feeling that everything is fine.
zooplus expert Luisa points out: “You have to be careful with stronger sedatives. Some remedies increase sensitivity to noise and reduce the ability to move. Of course that's not a good combination. The animals often appear relaxed on the outside, but only because they cannot move properly. Inside they suffer twice as much. If a pet is particularly panicked and needs sedation, then this should definitely be discussed with a veterinarian.”
New Year's Eve may mean exuberant celebrations for us humans, but it can be enormously stressful for pets. With these tips you can at least make the New Year easier for your pets.