How to keep anxious San Antonio pets safe during New Year’s Eve fireworks
Fireworks displays are beautiful, but if you’re a pet owner, you know that New Year’s Eve can be a perilous night for our pups. As San Antonio prepares to ring in the new year, the City of San Antonio shares tips on how to prepare anxious pets for the loud spectacles. Generally, you’re going to want to keep your pet at home and away from outdoor fireworks displays. Preferably in a closed space indoors.
“A closed off area inside your home can be a blessing for a pet nervous [with] all the noise and commotion associated with the festivities,” reads a press release from the City of San Antonio. “Some pets get destructive when they’re frightened so be sure to remove anything your pet could destroy. Try to provide some toys to occupy your pet. Fresh food and water are a must and a treat or two wouldn’t hurt either.”
The city urges pet owners to never leave pets unattended outside during fireworks displays, even if they are in a fenced in space or on a tether. “Pets can overreact when they’re scared and that dog who’d never leave your yard before could easily dig a hole under the fence to escape the noise.”
Keeping pets indoors or in close sight can also ensure local “pranksters” don’t attempt to scare your pet with fireworks. The city also urges pet owners to give their furry friend a collar and make sure their microchip ID is up to date, so they can easily be found in case they run away.
For the especially anxious pups, there are still more ways to prepare them for fireworks. Stephanie Garza, a CPDT- KA certified trainer and owner at Pup Pup and Away in San Antonio, previously told MySA that she prefers using alternative remedies like CBD paw balm and essential oils. In extreme cases, if that doesn’t cut the mustard, she suggests taking your pet in to a veterinarian to get a prescription.
“It depends on the severity of the anxiousness. If the benefit outweighs the cost of medication, if they are self mutilating or hurting themselves, then yes,” she says.
Garza also recommends playing low-volume firework sounds on YouTube or another platform to familiarize your pets to the loud sounds typical of the holiday.
Above all, making sure your pet is safe and secure indoors during major fireworks holidays like Fourth of July and New Years Eve is crucial.
