KEEPING YOUR DOG SAFE THIS NEW YEARS EVE

While most people enjoy celebrating new years eve it can be a stressful time for our four-legged friends. Unfortunately more dogs go missing on new year’s eve than any other time of the year, this is mainly due to the loud noise of illegal fireworks scaring them.

There are a number of ways you can keep your dog safe and happy this new years eve:

• Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and all your contact details are up-to-date. To check you can contact National Pet Register on 1300 734 738.
• Ensure your dog has a name tag with a phone number or address on it so you can be contacted if your dog does go missing.
• If you plan on going out but are worried about your dog being home alone arrange for someone to stay with your dog. If you can’t find a friend or family member to do so consider hiring a dog minder. There are various sites that allow you to find an experienced and trusted dog sitter including:
  http://www.dontfretpet.com.au
  http://www.pawshake.com.au
  http://www.madpaws.com.au
  http://www.topdogminders.com.au
  Hop & Scotch Dog Daycare in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are also opening on new years eve and are looking after any dogs who may be spending it alone.
• Ensure your house and yard are secure. Even if your dog has never escaped before they may attempt to if they are scared. The best option is to keep them indoors.
• Take your dog out for a good walk earlier in the night, this will help burn off some of their energy and tire them out.
• Allow your dog to have a safe place they can hide, this can be a crate or a kennel. You can also put their favourite toy or an old jumper in there to comfort them.
• Give your dog a raw bone or a kong toy filled with food to help keep them distracted.
• DO NOT keep your dog tethered in the yard in attempts to stop them from escaping. This will only cause them injury if they get scared.
• Don’t let off any fireworks in your yard, and alert authorities of any illegal fireworks in your neighbourhood.
• If you’re at home play a game with your dog while fireworks are occuring to keep them distracted. Reward the dog for any calm behaviour, but avoid fussing over them if they are nervous.