TEXAS, USA — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above aired on June 2022.
New Year's celebrations with fireworks are a long-lasting tradition but the colorful colors and explosive sounds can make pets overwhelmed.
According to the non-profit AKC Reunite, lost pet reports are 69% higher on New Year’s Day because of fireworks.
Below is a list of tips on how to make this period of festivities a bit less nerve-racking for pets:
- Quiet sanctuary: Put your pet in a quiet and safe place when fireworks start. Consider putting your pet in their bed inside a closet or in their crate for safety.
- Toys: Keep your pet’s favorite toy(s) in their safe area to make the experience more fun and to provide distractions from loud noises, bright lights, and booms and flashes from fireworks.
- Exercise is key: Before fireworks begin and while it's still daylight outside, exercise your pet so they can rest more easily during the festivities.
- Turn music on: Turn on the television or play music to help muffle the noise that comes with a party and fireworks.
- Fear-free: Unexpected commotion can frighten your pet significantly. Unless your pet is in danger or is likely to get hurt, ignore signs of fear to not elevate symptoms.
- Microchip and update contact information: Microchip your pet and update your contact information, just in case your pet escapes.
The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is offering microchips for $10 from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30. The animal shelter also recommends to keep pets safe by keeping them inside.