Our beloved family dog, Daisy, is about as easy going as a dog can get. I’ve had dogs who escape, dogs who run away if not on a leash, and dogs who got very nervous and upset at disruptions or loud noises such as fireworks. So although Daisy doesn’t have any of those quirks… I certainly know they can be a challenge for dog owners to deal with. And no matter what your pet’s disposition, we all want to keep our pets safe.
It’s for that reason I was interested in sharing the following sponsored tips on dog safety on New Year’s Eve. It’a a time of year when celebrations may become a problem or even danger to your family pet.
Hopefully you find these useful, and be sure to check out the gift card giveaway at the end!
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New Year’s Eve is a night to celebrate, let loose, and de-stress after the holidays. It is generally considered to be fun for everyone involved. However, there’s one member of your family that may not enjoy New Year’s Eve quite as much – your dog. In fact, there are some unique safety hazards for your dog that you should be aware of. For example, most dogs are terrified of fireworks, and even the best dog fence ever may not keep your dog contained if they bolt after an unexpected “boom.” In order to keep your dog safe this year, here are some tips for you to keep in mind.
Keep Your Dog Away from Fireworks
As mentioned, most dogs are upset by fireworks. Dogs have acute hearing that’s sensitive to loud noises, especially when they don’t know what the noises are. You should not bring your dog to any fireworks displays with you, or your dog may get stressed and scared and could react unpredictably. If you are setting off any fireworks at your home, keep your dog inside the house or contained by an electric dog fence. If not, there is a danger that your dog could be injured or even killed if they accidentally get into the path of an exploding firework.
Forget the Noisemakers This Year
If you’re hosting a party or get together, you may be tempted to purchase noisemakers for all your guests. However, noisemakers aren’t the best idea if you have a dog in your home. Not only will your dog be frightened and upset by the noise, misplaced noisemakers can become choking hazards. If your dog ingests plastic pieces or streamers, it could also cause an intestinal blockage or other internal damage. It’s best to avoid purchasing anything special, and simply use pots or pans if you have to make a racket – preferably outside and away from your dog.
Give Your Dog Their Own Space
The best thing you can do for your dog during a party is give them their own space. Having their own personal space to rest in will make your dog feel safe and secure. Their safe space should be as far away from where everything is gathering as possible, to reduce the amount of noise your dog can hear. If you need to, use a gate or indoor wireless dog fence to create a place for them. Be sure to include plenty of water, food, and toys, and check on your dog periodically throughout the night. Most likely, they’ll sleep and enjoy their quiet evening alone.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash When Outside
If you do have to take your dog outside during New Year’s Eve, always do so with them on a leash. Also make sure their collar fits them properly so they cannot slip out of it if they pull on the leash. Loud noises, such as from neighbors who are setting off fireworks, can cause your dog to run, and this is especially dangerous if you normally rely on an electronic dog fence to keep them in your yard; they may forget their boundaries if they’re very startled. Make sure you’re always holding your dog’s leash, because leaving them tethered outside alone is also dangerous.
Make Sure Alcohol is Out-of-Reach
If your dog is roaming free during your party, be sure that you keep any alcoholic beverages out-of-reach. Alcohol is toxic in large amounts to humans, but it takes much less to cause potentially fatal alcohol poisoning in dogs. If you’re making drinks with sweet mixers, your dog may want to taste them. Make sure your guests know not to leave their drinks unattended, or keep your dog away from the kitchen with a gate or DIY electric fence to ensure they can’t get into the beverage stash when no one is looking.
Watch for Signs of Illness or Stress
Observe your dog for signs of stress, and get them to a quiet area to rest if they are stressed or otherwise acting unusually. Stress may be exhibited with behaviors such as panting, growling, whining, jumping, hiding, freezing, cowering, or staring. If your dog is upset, make sure they have plenty of water, too, because dehydration is a risk. If your dog suddenly gets sick, be sure to call your vet’s office immediately, because it could mean your dog has ingested something toxic.
The last thing you want on New Year’s Eve is your dog to get into an accident that could’ve easily been prevented. With common sense and a little preparation, your dog will make it through the night with as little stress as possible. Wishing you and your dog the best for 2016!
The research and information provided on this post came to us courtesy of Dog Fence DIY. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to pricey invisible fences you may want to give them a call.
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