New Year’s Eve is no party for pets, so be prepared

This time of year, many pet owners want to share their good times with their best friends—both human and furry. While holiday revelers delight in the changes the season brings, the change in routine and dizzying array of unfamiliar people, sights, smells and noises all make the season difficult for pets.

New Year’s Eve is notoriously bad for animals. Earth-rattling, booming fireworks, buzzying party horns and the unpredictable popping champagne corks are only a few of the holiday hazards that terrorize pets, who flee houses and dig out of yards to find somewhere to escape the noise. So here are some tips to help your pets survive the start a safe new year.

• Since fireworks and other loud noises and frequently opening doors leave your pet both the motive and opportunity to escape, it is essential for them to wear an ID tag.

• Assign one family member to be responsible for the whereabouts, comfort and care of pets during a party. Sometimes, in the throws of party preparation, even the most devoted owners forget to feed, water or walk their pets. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to anticipate animal issues and devise plans, so action can be taken immediately if necessary. It’s hard to be in a party mood when you have to search for a lost dog for hours or salve a severe bite wound after a frightened cat has bitten a guest.

• Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat, where they can come out to visit if they wish.

• Be aware of dangerous party decorations. Balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti can be unhealthy for animals if ingested. While decorating, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations.

• To avoid singed (or worse) tails, whiskers and paws or even feathers, be sure to place candles and sparklers away from curious pets.

• Be sure to remove glasses of spirits from low-lying tables or anywhere pets can stick their snouts. Even in small doses, alcohol is extremely toxic to cats and dogs.

• Keep your pet on their regular diet and remind guests not to fall victim to pleading eyes and party tricks. Table scraps, especially ones covered in gravy, can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.

• Bones from poultry or pork can splinter, form sharp points and get stuck in the throat, gums, roof of the mouth or esophagus, causing severe health problems.

• Onions are toxic to both dogs and cats.

• Chocolate and baked goods containing chocolate contain a stimulant that can cause agitation, hypertension and heart arrhythmias if ingested in large doses.

• Since your vet will be closed for the holiday, keep the closest animal emergency clinic’s telephone number close by.