The biggest danger: a dog that bolts
A dog startled by a sudden bang can slip out of its collar, pull the lead from your hand or jump a fence, and run until it no longer knows where it is. In the dark and the noise, such a dog is hard to find.
Before the holidays, check that the collar or harness fits snugly and your dog cannot back out of it. Attach an ID tag with your phone number, and make sure your dog's microchip is registered and the registry holds your current contact details.
Walks over the holidays
Fireworks do not only go off at midnight: you will hear them for several days before and after the holidays. Over that time, walk your dog on a lead only, even if it is used to running free, and try to go out while it is still light.
A fenced yard is not enough. A frightened dog can jump a fence or squeeze through a gap, so on New Year's Eve do not let it into the yard alone, not even briefly.
A quiet place at home
Prepare a quiet room or corner in advance where your dog feels safe, with its bed, favourite toys and somewhere to hide. Close the windows, draw the curtains and put on quiet music or the television so the bangs are harder to hear.
If your dog hides, let it, and do not pull it out of its hiding place. Do not punish it for being afraid or force it to go where it is scared. Stay nearby and stay calm: scolding only makes the fear worse.
Cats, and the morning after
Cats are just as afraid of fireworks. Over the holidays keep them indoors, close windows and doors, and leave them places to hide. Check that your cat has a registered microchip.
The morning after, before you let your dog into the yard, check it for firework debris: spent rockets, bangers or pieces of them. Chewing or eating them is dangerous for an animal.
What to do
- Check that your dog cannot back out of its collar or harness.
- Attach an ID tag with your phone number to the collar.
- Make sure the microchip is registered and your details are up to date.
- Over the holidays, walk your dog on a lead only and while it is still light.
- Prepare a quiet room, close the windows and draw the curtains.
- Keep cats indoors and do not let them outside.
- The morning after, check the yard for firework debris.
When to contact a vet urgently
If your dog is very afraid of fireworks, talk to your vet well before the holidays, not on the last day. Contact a vet straight away if a frightened animal has hurt itself, is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, cannot settle and keeps shaking for a long time, or has chewed or eaten firework debris.