While New Year’s Eve might be your favorite night to let loose and celebrate, your furry friend might not share in your happiness. In fact, some cats and dogs feel anxious when they hear fireworks and other commotion around their home. If you want to ensure your furry companion is as safe and comfortable as possible, use the following tips to help them relax this New Year’s Eve and avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

New Year’s Eve Advice on Calming Your Pet

1. Learn the Warning Signs

Some animals aren’t phased by the loud noises and bright explosions of the night, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for signs of anxiety in your pet. As the night’s festivities start, your dog or cat may begin to pace back and forth, bark protectively, or drool and pant. If you catch your companion cowering, hiding, or engaging in any of these defensive behaviors, you’ll need to take further action to calm them down.

2. Obtain Medicine From the Veterinarian

If you have time before the holiday, make an appointment to meet with your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They may be able to recommend homeopathic remedies or prescribe medicines that relieve anxiety in animals. If you’ll be giving your pet such medication, it’s smart to stay home and keep an eye on them, watching out for increased anxiety or potential side effects.

3. Give Them Your Attention

When your dog or cat is displaying signs of severe anxiety, you may not even feel like going out to celebrate. Create a safe, quiet space for your pet, preferably in an interior room, or one with few windows. If you’ re celebrating at home, speak in a soft voice and pet them—or offer treats as a distraction. They might even enjoy having the TV on as white noise to soften the sounds of fireworks and traffic.

If you’re worried about how your pet with handle the New Year’s Eve festivities, stop by and see a veterinarian at Wahiawa Pet Hospital of Hawaii. In addition to offering tips on how to soothe anxious pets, they can also prescribe safe medications to aid in your companion’s coping efforts. You can learn more about their team by visiting the website today. To schedule an appointment with a skilled vet, call them at (808) 621-7000.