For kids, New Year's Eve is usually an exciting, happy night. For lots of pets, it's the hardest night of the year. The good part: with a little planning, the whole family can do a lot to help dogs, cats and other animals feel safer – and kids can be a real part of it.
Why Pets Get Scared
Dogs and cats hear much better than people do. Sounds that seem loud to us hit them even harder. On top of that, the bangs come suddenly and from every direction. Your pet can't understand what's going on, and it can't get away from it. Bright flashes in the sky and the smell of smoke can be unsettling, too.
Here's one way to explain it to kids: "Imagine someone making a huge bang right next to your ear – and you have no idea why or when it will stop." Kids get it right away and understand why the dog is shaking or the cat is hiding.
Getting Ready for the Night
The better you plan the day, the calmer the night will be.
- Set up a safe spot: A quiet room, ideally away from the street, with a blanket, a bed or a covered hideout to crawl into.
- Close windows and curtains: This muffles the bangs and blocks the flashes.
- Add soft background sound: A radio or calm music at a normal volume can help cover the noise outside.
- Leave a light on: A dim lamp makes the flashes outside less noticeable.
- Stick to routines: Feeding and playtime at the usual hours help pets feel secure.
If your pet has been very frightened in past years, check with your vet well before New Year's Eve about what you can do.
Dogs
Take your dog on a long walk in the afternoon while it's still light and quiet. In the evening, a quick potty break is enough. Keep your dog on a leash on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, because frightened dogs sometimes bolt in a panic. Make sure their collar has an ID tag with your phone number.
If your dog wants to hide, let them. Many dogs pick a spot under the table or under a blanket – just like in the coloring page Dog Under a Blanket.
Cats
Outdoor cats are best kept inside on New Year's Eve and overnight. Bring them in early in the day, before the first bangs start. Cats like to hide in closets, under the bed or somewhere up high. Leave those hiding spots open and don't pull your cat out. A cat tangled in streamers, like in Cat in Streamers, is only funny on paper: put party decorations away so pets can't chew on them.
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Birds
Small pets get scared, too. Rabbits and guinea pigs that live outside can spend the night in a quiet room, like a basement or garage, as long as it isn't too cold. If the hutch stays outdoors, partly cover it with a blanket while leaving room for fresh air. Extra hay and a little hideaway give them a place to burrow.
For birds, move the cage away from the window and cover part of it. A small light in the room can keep birds from startling when flashes hit a dark room.
What Kids Can Do
Kids often really want to help their pets. Here are some great jobs for them:
- Keep it quiet: No running, shouting or party horns near the pet's safe spot.
- Don't force cuddles: Let your pet decide whether it wants to be close. If it comes to you, gentle petting is fine.
- Use a calm voice: Speaking softly helps more than fussing over the animal.
- Make a sign: Draw a "Shh – pet chilling here!" sign for the door of the quiet room.
- Help set up: Put blankets in the bed, add a favorite toy and fill the water bowl.
Kids who are bothered by the noise themselves can wear ear muffs – just like in Child with Ear Muffs. Staying inside with a pet instead of watching the fireworks is a kind choice for both.
Wildlife in the Yard
Wild animals get startled on New Year's Eve, too. Hedgehogs, common in European gardens, hibernate through the winter, often in piles of leaves or brush. There's a cheerful one to color in Hedgehog in a Party Hat. Leave those piles alone and never set off fireworks near them. Birds sleep in hedges and trees at night and fly up in alarm at loud bangs, so a yard without fireworks is a peaceful place for them. Foxes, like the one in Fox Watching Fireworks, also lie low on noisy nights.
For ways to still have a fun celebration, read New Year's Eve with Kids – Ideas for the Evening. You'll find more animal coloring pages in Animals Celebrate New Year.
FAQ
Is it okay to comfort my dog when they're scared?
Yes, if your dog comes looking for closeness. Stay calm and speak softly. Just don't drag them out of their hiding spot, and let them decide how close they want to be.
What if my pet gets really scared every year?
Talk to your vet well before New Year's Eve. They can give advice that fits your pet.
How can kids help pets on New Year's Eve?
By keeping quiet, not forcing cuddles and helping set up a safe spot. For a frightened animal, calm is what matters most.