Awesome life hacks by ANGRY ORANGE
NYE Survival Guide: how to keep your pets safe & calm
by Jessica Britt
As pretty much everything about 2020, the NYE celebrations will probably be different this year. Not many people will venture out on the streets, and most gatherings will be taken inside, if at all. But I believe that the most courageous of us, will host NYE parties at home.
And while New Year’s Eve is usually a moment of fun and celebration for us humans, for our furry counterparts, it’s less fun and more anxiety.
The night between the years is usually loud, very loud, from music, laughter and chitchat between house guests, and the big, flashy fireworks at midnight. If you add some dancing in the mix, no wonder why your cats or dogs get scared and try to hide in a corner, waiting for the madness to pass.
Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to spend NYE in utter silence or alone, you can have fun and celebrate the end of the year properly, but taking into consideration your pet’s needs. So, let’s see a few tips on how to keep your furball safe & calm in the last hours of 2020:
1. Don’t let them wander around
If you’re gonna have people over, it’s better if you reserve a separate room of the house just for your cat or doggo. Super social pets probably won’t be bothered by the loud people and the blasting music, but the shy ones will definitely feel stressed. My cat always hides when I have people over, even if it’s just a small family gathering. The only time he comes out of hiding is when food is served, and that brings me to point number two.
2. Mind the food
Be careful what food your pet eats on NYE as many ingredients we use or like for celebratory food could be toxic for them. Maybe you have a fancy cheese platter with grapes and nuts on the table. Make sure all your guests know not to feed grapes to your dog as they are very harmful. The same goes for chocolate, alcohol or any candies containing sweeteners.
Source: Unsplash
3. Treats & Toys
Try to make some positive associations for your pet, to keep them busy and happy even during the fireworks. Their favorite toys and treats will make them focus on something they like, instead on the loud noises that bother them.
4. Try sound therapy
The easiest way to do this is to turn on the radio or the TV, so that your pet can focus on the soothing sounds instead of what is happening outside. The trick is to turn on the music a few hours before the party/celebrations start, so that they’ll associate the sounds with a state of calm and serenity.
5. Invest in an anxiety wrap
If you know your pet suffers from severe anxiety and that NYE is especially hard for him or her, maybe you should consider buying an anxiety wrap. They are like a weighted vest that puts pressure on your dog’s torso gently, making them feel like they are in a warm embrace. These wraps work well to reduce stress and noise related anxiety, and the different sizes are both suitable for dogs and cats.
Source: Unsplash
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