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New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, but for our furry friends, it can be a night filled with fear and confusion. The loud bangs, flashing lights, and unfamiliar noises of fireworks can be overwhelming for pets, leading many to panic and escape in search of safety. Here’s how to keep your pets secure during the festivities and why microchip registration is a critical safety net.
Why Fireworks Are Frightening for Pets
Pets, especially dogs and cats, have much keener senses than humans. Some pets are fine with fireworks. But for some pets, loud fireworks can feel like an inescapable assault on their ears, and the unpredictable flashes can confuse them. Pets may associate these overwhelming experiences with danger, triggering their fight-or-flight instincts. Unfortunately, this often results in pets bolting from their homes or yards in an attempt to find a safe haven. Regardless if you’ve experienced fireworks with your pet in the past or this is the first time, the chance of a pet escaping around fireworks is higher.
The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom reports there's an 81% increase in dogs going missing during fireworks season (New Years falls in this season), with 30% of owners believing their dogs are terrified of fireworks.
Here are some things to keep in mind before popping the champagne for pet parents.
How to Prevent Escapes During Fireworks
1. Create a Safe Haven Indoors
Designate a quiet room or area where your pet can feel safe. Use their favorite blankets, toys, or a crate to create a comforting space. Closing windows, curtains, and doors can help muffle the sound of fireworks.
2. Distract with White Noise
Turn on calming music, a fan, or a TV to drown out the noise of fireworks. There are even playlists specifically designed to calm anxious pets.
3. Use Calming Products
Consider using pet-safe calming sprays, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps to help ease their stress. If your pet uses products like Composure, be sure to administer it to them earlier in the evening to be most effective.
4. Keep Them Secure
Ensure all windows, doors, and gates are securely closed. If you need to open a door, make sure your pet is in a separate, secure area to prevent accidental escapes.
5. Don’t Leave Them Alone
Pets are more likely to panic when they’re alone. Your presence can be a significant source of comfort during stressful events.
The Role of Microchip Registration
Why Microchipping Is Essential
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. A microchip can make the difference between a lost pet being reunited with their family or remaining missing. Unlike collars and tags, which can be removed or lost, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification.
Ensure the Microchip Is Registered
A microchip is only effective if it’s registered. Each microchip registry is a separate database, and unless the database has permission to share your information with a third party then the registration is only as useful as the area the registry covers. It is recommended you register your pet’s microchip with as many registries as applicable to your lifestyle.
For example, if you travel between two different states you may want to consider registering your pet’s microchip in both states. In Bermuda, all dogs that have a government license are required to have a microchip but that information is not available to non-governmental organisations such as veterinary practices or charities. This is why PadsPass created the free microchip database which gives access of the microchips registered to non-governmental organisations.
How Microchips Work
When a lost pet is found, shelters and veterinary clinics can scan for a microchip. The unique ID number links to additional information about your pet, veterinary practice and if you choose to share your contact information in the database, making it easier for you to be contacted and be reunited with your furry loved one.
Extra Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve
Exercise Early: Make sure your pet gets plenty of physical activity earlier in the day to tire them out before the evening’s festivities begin.
Avoid Fireworks Displays: Keep your pets indoors and far away from areas where fireworks are being set off.
Keep IDs Up to Date: In addition to a microchip, ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag that has your current phone number.
If you’re in Bermuda, sign up to the free PadsPass microchip database and ensure your pet is registered with a 24/7 accessible database by all the veterinarians and animal charities on island.
Celebrate Safely
New Year’s Eve should be a joyful time for everyone, including your pets. By taking these precautions and ensuring your pet’s microchip information is up to date, you’re giving them the best chance to stay safe and sound.
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