Keep Pets Safe During New Year Celebrations: Expert Advice from Pet Insurance Australia
As the countdown to the New Year begins, Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe during the festivities. With loud fireworks, noisy gatherings, and potential exposure to harmful foods, New Year’s Eve can be a stressful and dangerous time for pets.
Fireworks Fright and Anxiety
The deafening sound of fireworks is a leading cause of panic in pets, often resulting in runaway incidents. “Every year, Australia witnesses a significant increase in lost pets due to the stress caused by fireworks,” says Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton. “Pets can become easily disoriented and run from their homes, leading to heartbreaking situations for families as they welcome the New Year.”
Hidden Dangers at Celebrations
From dropped food scraps to alcohol left unattended, New Year’s parties can pose various hazards for pets. “Foods like chocolate, grapes, and even some cooked bones can be deadly to pets,” Crighton warns. “It’s crucial for pet owners to keep harmful items well out of reach and inform guests about the risks.”
Pet Insurance Australia suggests pet owners make a safe room for their pets during the celebrations to ensure they always know where their pets are.
“Sometimes the best way to keep your furry family member safe is to create a safe room so you know where they are at all times,” Crighton says. “This is an easy way to keep them safe while also distracting them from the noises around that could lead to anxiety.”
PetSure 2024 Pet Health Monitor data show other common but more unusual items ingested by dogs last year were human medication, shoes and corn cobs.
“When a toxin or foreign body is consumed, it could mean a costly trip to the vet for examination, intensive medical therapy or surgery.”
Cost type Amount*
Average treatment cost (without surgery) $1,064
Average treatment cost (with surgery) $5,067
Highest treatment cost (with surgery) $41,671
Simple Steps for a Safe New Year
Pet Insurance Australia offers the following tips to ensure a safe and stress-free New Year’s celebration for pets:
- Create a Safe Haven: Set up a quiet, comfortable space where pets can retreat from the noise. Consider turning on the radio or even a TV show to keep your pet comfortable and drown out the loud noises the night will attract. This room should contain a comfortable bed, water, and food alongside some safe pet toys and chews.
- Stay Secure: Double-check fences, gates, and microchip details to ensure pets can’t escape if frightened. Also, a sign should be placed on the gate or the front door to remind guests to keep it closed due to a pet being in the home.
- Avoid Harmful Foods: Keep party food and drinks away from pets and provide them with their own safe treats. Always secure rubbish bins to keep curious canines out of reach of leftover foods and dangerous objects such as skewer sticks.
- Use Calming Aids: Consider anxiety-relief tools like calming sprays, vests, or natural remedies.
- Supervise Closely: If your pet is part of the celebration, monitor them to prevent mishaps.
- Keep Cats Indoors: We suggest keeping your precious cats indoors in the evening for this one night.
- Be Prepared: if your pet has gone missing before, consider using a GPS tracking system on their collar and ensuring it is secured in a safe room for the night.
A Resolution for Pet Safety
“By taking proactive steps, pet owners can enjoy the festivities while ensuring their furry friends are safe and happy,” says Crighton. “Let’s make pet safety a New Year’s resolution we can all keep.”
Pet Insurance Australia wishes all families a joyful and safe New Year. For more pet care tips and advice, visit www.petinsurance.com.au.
Here’s a guide on what steps to take if a pet goes missing during the New Year’s festivities, tailored for the Australian marketplace:
What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing During New Year’s Festivities?
The New Year can be stressful for pets, with fireworks, loud music, and large gatherings increasing the risk of pets getting scared and running away. If your pet goes missing, taking swift and strategic action can significantly improve the chances of bringing them home.
- Stay Calm and Act Quickly
It’s normal to feel panicked, but staying calm will help you think clearly and act effectively. Time is critical, so begin your search when you notice your pet is missing.
- Conduct a Thorough Search of the Area
- Start at home: Check every room, garage, and garden area, as frightened pets may hide in familiar spaces.
- Expand your search: Walk or drive around your neighbourhood, calling your pet’s name. Bring their favourite treats or toys to attract their attention.
- Notify Your Neighbours
- Knock on doors or leave notes with your contact information.
- Ask neighbours to check under decks, garages, or backyards where a scared pet might hide.
- Update Your Pet’s Microchip Information
Ensure your pet’s microchip details are current, including your contact number and address. Vets and shelters use this information to reunite pets with their owners.
- Contact Local Authorities and Shelters
- Notify local animal shelters, rescue groups, and the council in your area.
- Provide them with a clear description and photo of your pet, and ask if any animals matching their description have been brought in.
- Use Social Media
- Post on local community groups: Facebook pages like “Lost Pets Australia” or regional groups specific to your area can help spread the word.
- Include a clear photo, a detailed description, and your contact information.
- Update the post if your pet is found to alert others.
- Use Pet Recovery Platforms
Websites like https://awl.org.au/lost-pets-noticeboard allow you to quickly create alerts that reach a broad audience.
- Notify Your Vet and Local Clinics
If someone finds your pet, they may take them to the nearest veterinary clinic. Inform your vet and nearby clinics that your pet is missing, and provide them with your contact details.
- Create Posters and Flyers
Design bright, eye-catching posters with:
- A recent photo of your pet
- Their name and identifying features
- Your contact information Distribute these in high-traffic areas such as parks, community boards, and shops.
- Consider the Time of Year
During New Year’s celebrations, pets are often scared by fireworks. Focus your search near areas where they might have tried to escape the noise, such as bushy areas, under houses, or near quieter streets.
Stay Hopeful
“Luckily, many pets are found within the first 24-48 hours, especially if their owners act swiftly and involve the community. By following these steps and being proactive, you can maximise your chances of a happy reunion.”
Featured By:
Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.
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