This week, the city of Austin will be holding its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with an impressive fireworks display. Unfortunately, fireworks can be a huge source of anxiety for many dogs. Pet owners who don’t live near the official festivities should still take note of the dangers posed by fireworks, as many individuals are likely to set off fireworks in residential areas around the city, despite an official ban.
The stress that results from fireworks can be enough to make otherwise well-behaved dogs act out in anxiety; in some cases, dogs may attempt to escape yards that are normally secure in an effort to run away from the loud noises. Here are a few tips you can put to good use to make sure that you do everything you can to keep your pet healthy, safe, and secure this New Year’s Eve.
Keep Your Pups Inside
Even if your pet is normally an “outside dog,” New Year’s Eve is a great night to break routine. The loud and startling sounds of fireworks frequently cause dogs to look for any escape route necessary, including digging under seemingly secure fencing; therefore, inside is the safest place for your pup to be on this special night.
However, just because your dog is inside doesn’t mean that he or she won’t still be scared. As such, consider crating your dog if he or she is crate trained to help them feel more secure. Additionally, you might want to leave a television or radio on with the volume turned up to hopefully drown out the sounds of any fireworks going on outside.
Make Sure Your Dog is Tired
Wearing out your dog is a great way to help him or her get through the stress that can accompany fireworks. The more energy your dog has stored up, the more energy they can put into feeling anxious. However, if you make sure your dog is well-exercised and tired, you can increase the likelihood of them sleeping through the commotion!
Make Sure Your Dog is Wearing a Collar and Microchipped
In the unfortunate event that your pet does get out, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to get back to you, and nothing is more helpful in this regard than making sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated contact information.
Additionally, make sure your dog is microchipped and that their information is up to date. If your dog isn’t microchipped, you can get a free microchip and/or ID tag for your pup from the Austin Animal Center between 11 am and 7 pm!
Contact an Austin Dog Walker with Walk! ATX
If you are looking for someone to help wear your pup out as you usher in the New Year, contact the dog walkers and pet sitters at Walk! ATX. Our experienced team knows just what it takes to make sure your pet is happily tired, so give us a call today at (512) 655-9557 to set up an appointment.