Animal shelter offers pet safety tips on on New Year’s EveNew Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but sometimes the party can be too much for pets. Many pets become scared or anxious at the sound of fireworks and try to run away.The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter sees a greater number of lost dogs following the holidays. To avoid a trip to the shelter to retrieve a lost pet, follow these safety rules so everyone in the family has a happy New Year.• Exercise pets during the day. If you exercise your pet vigorously before the party begins, then pets may tend to sleep through the festivities.• Keep pets indoors. Don’t give pets an opportunity to run away by leaving them outside. Make them feel safe by keeping them in a familiar, warm and cozy area and try playing soothing music, so the sound of fireworks is not as loud.• Ask your veterinarian for medication. If your pet is extremely anxious at the sound of fireworks, ask your vet to prescribe a medication that will mildly sedate your dog or cat.• Keep pets leashed or confined if outdoors. If it is not an option to keep a pet inside, then keep your pet on a leash with a good fitting collar or confined when fireworks are exploding.• Keep pets in a safe area during the party. Pets can run outside if guests are opening and closing doors, so keep pets in their own safe part of the house.• Watch what your pet eats. Don’t feel your pet is missing the fun if they don’t get to have some of your party food. Do not give your pet alcohol and do not feed them party snacks. Too much food unfamiliar to them can upset their stomach.
Source: FYI: Pet safety tips for New Year’s Eve | www.statesman.com
