Ring in the New Year with These Pet Safety Tips!
Here comes 2026! As we welcome the New Year, we’re wishing you and your furry family members all the best in the months ahead. To help start the year off safely, we wanted to share a few tips to keep your pets calm, happy, and healthy as you celebrate the holiday.
Keep It Stress-Free: Help your pets adjust to New Year’s Eve festivities by minimizing stress as much as possible. Playing soft, calming music can help mask sudden noises. For dogs, consider an earlier walk while it’s still quiet, and be mindful of local fireworks times.
Frightening Fireworks: From fireworks and poppers to noisemakers, New Year’s Eve can be overwhelming for pets. Make sure your pet has a safe, quiet place to retreat. A windowless room with cozy blankets, familiar toys, and comfortable bedding can help them feel secure.
Mind the Alcohol: Popping champagne at midnight may be a tradition, but alcohol can be extremely dangerous for pets. Ingestion can lead to depression, unsteady walking, vomiting, and in severe cases, dangerous drops in blood pressure and body temperature. Be sure to keep all alcoholic beverages well out of paw’s reach.
Expect the Unexpected: Keep a close eye on party foods, as curious pets may be tempted by off-limit treats. Many human foods can be harmful to animals. If you’d like to give your pet something special, stick to their regular food or pet-safe treats.
Create a Safe Space: If you’re hosting guests, set up a quiet area where your pet can relax away from the excitement. Add cozy blankets and familiar items to help them feel at ease. If you’re celebrating away from home, do a quick safety check before leaving: make sure all exits are secure and that food, medications, and other hazards are safely put away.
Keeping these tips in mind can help ensure a happy, healthy, and pet-safe New Year for everyone. If your pet needs post-holiday care, please contact the Bredel Clinic at 301-387-7729. The clinic will reopen on January 2.
As we step into 2026, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible supporters and donors. Your generosity makes it possible for HART to provide lifesaving care, shelter, and second chances to animals in need. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to start the New Year, consider making a donation to help us continue this work throughout the year ahead.
From all of us at HART for Animals, furry and human alike, thank you for being part of our community, and Happy New Year!