New Years and our Pets!

As the new year creeps upon us, we gather our family together and celebrate another blessed and successful year with resolutions on how to better the oncoming. While we are celebrating let's not forget our dear pets who unbeknownst take part in the festivities. This time time of year can be very frightening to pets of all species. The onslaught of crowds or lack there of can cause anxiety and loud noises, such as fireworks or gun fire can be very unsettling. This time of year is heavily saturated with lost or missing pets as well, resulting from fear and darting out an open door. Here is a small list of pointers to ensure your pet is safe and secure during the New Year festivities:

Make sure your pet has his ID collar with appropriate contact information. This will help ensure a safe return of your pet if found. Also, consider microchipping your pet. We now have the ability to "track" our pets whereabouts and this can be very helpful in finding your lost pet.

Have up to date photos of your pets. You may need these to update an online pet search profile or print posters.

In the home, ensure your pet has a "safe haven". With many guests in the home your pet may become anxious, give them a quiet area where they can rest and detox from the commotion.

Keep an eye on your alcoholic beverages. Dogs can become very thirsty when they are in an anxious state and are liable to lap up anything. Alcohol has proven hazardous to pets at higher amounts.

We can't all avoid the fireworks or gunfire, but we can try to lessen the noise. Secure a spot for your pet away from windows where he can avoid the 12 am celebration. Turn on music to soothe them or distract from the loud erratic noise.

Lastly, if a quiet room is not available, then let's face the loud demons with a positive attitude. Get the really good "Kryptonite" out. Once the fireworks or commotion has begun give him his favorite treat, play a game with him for distraction, start training, or allow them to retreat to their favorite place. We want to associate the noise with positivity to avoid any further anxiety or problem behaviors.

These tips will help to keep your pet safe during the new year roll around. Our pets are our family, celebrate and enjoy them, just don't forget to protect them;) Happy New Year from Back in the Pack!!!

DJF