Noise on New Year’s Eve
This makes the turn of the year more pleasant for pets
Dogs and cats usually don’t have much use for New Year’s Eve fireworks.
© Vince Scherer/Shutterstock.com
New Year’s Eve is a real torture for animals. Fireworks and firecrackers cause panic and stress in them. What can pet owners do?
Bright flashes of light in the dark sky, loud bangs of firecrackers and rockets and the smell of smoke in the air: while the New Year’s Eve is the highlight of the year for many people, but it is the worst for animals. This applies equally to wild animals and birds as well as beloved pets. The noise and the smell of smoke cause fear, panic and stress in the animals – a danger to their health.
If you don’t want to contribute to this, you should of course avoid having your own fireworks display. A majority of the German population is already in favor of a ban on private fireworks displays. However, this has not yet been implemented. With the right preparation, pet owners can make the night of terror a little more pleasant for their dogs, cats, etc.
Possibility of retreat in the house
In some areas the blast begins before December 31st and can last days into the new year. Dog owners should therefore always walk their animals on a leash and only in known areas in the days surrounding New Year’s Eve. In case of emergency, animals should wear an address tag with a telephone number. Outdoor cats should also stay indoors in the days around New Year’s Eve.
During this time, you should set up a rest area for your animals at home and offer them opportunities to retreat in quiet, darkened rooms if possible. Bird or small animal cages can be covered with cloths. Doors and windows should remain closed and curtains and blinds drawn.
Distract with familiar sounds
New Year’s Eve should be as normal as possible: the more familiar the daily routine, the more relaxed the pet will feel. Going out and leaving your pet alone in the house is not a good idea. When there is banging and lightning outside and the animal is alone, it feels defenseless.
The television or music can be a good distraction for the animals on New Year’s Eve as they create a familiar and calming background noise. According to a study by the University of Glasgow Dogs relax best with reggae and cuddly rock. Cats, on the other hand, like classical pieces with harmonious piano, violin or cello tones, for example Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”.
Other everyday noises that dogs, cats, etc. are already familiar with can also contribute to relaxation – such as the rumbling washing machine.
Medication?
Owners should keep a close eye on their animal’s body language: trembling, drooling, uncontrolled urination or defecation are symptoms of increased stress. If an animal has reacted like this in the past, calming medication can help. These are prescribed by the vet.
Bach flower mixtures or CBD oil specifically designed for animals can also help.
Protect wild animals from fireworks
Wild and farm animals often have a particularly bad time on New Year’s Eve – especially since they have no one who can calm them down. They are often exposed to noise, light and smoke unprotected. Particularly dangerous: Stress triggers a flight reflex in many wild animals, which is very energy-intensive. In winter, when food for birds, deer, etc. is rare, this can be fatal.
The only thing that can help is fewer fireworks. If you don’t want to miss out on the bang, you should at least not do so near forests, parks, pastures, banks or farms. New Year’s Eve fireworks should also not be set off near zoos.