If you’re anything like all of us at the ARC, you’re counting down the days until you can kiss 2020 goodbye (or kick it to the curb – we wouldn’t blame you) and ring in the New Year! Before you get caught up in all the celebrations though, keep the following in mind to protect your pets.
For many, New Year’s Eve and alcohol go hand in hand. Two things that should never mix though? Alcohol and pets. If Fluffy or Fido accidentally ingests alcohol, it can lead to depression, unsteadiness, vomiting, and in severe cases, a drastic drop in blood pressure and body temperature. Depending on the specific type of alcohol, one mixed drink could be fatal to smaller dogs. Save yourself a trip to the emergency vet and make sure all alcohol is kept well out of paws reach.
Another staple of New Year’s Eve are fireworks and noisemakers. While fun and exciting for people, the unexpected and loud sounds can scare our pets and cause them to run away. Keep your pets safe and comfortable by placing them in a quiet and secure room with soft music playing. Monitor your pets around fireworks and other noisemakers before, during and after use; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal issues or poisoning, as fireworks contain potassium nitrate, arsenic and a host of other dangerous chemicals. And of course, there is always the risk of your furry friend accidentally burning themselves.
The last thing we want to do this year is discourage you from having a good time, and what’s a good time without chocolate and sweets?! Make sure these goodies are out of reach from curious snouts – chocolate is a well-known toxin for both dogs and cats, but did you know other sweets can cause trouble too? Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can be fatal to your pet if ingested. Let your pet join the festivities and give them treats and toys to distract from human food.
You know what they say – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Exercise your pet during the day to help calm their nerves, allowing them to relax easier throughout the evening. And, of course, make sure your furry friend is wearing a valid dog license and microchipped! Should your pup escape and become lost, these forms of identification will help get them home.
We wish you all a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve and look forward to seeing you next year!