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Fireworks on New Year’s Eve or other special occasions are major highlights for most people, bringing the joy of celebrating a special occasion, literally, with multiple big bangs.

But have you considered how these loud noises affect our furry friends, who’s sense of hearing is almost four times better than us humans? It is a sensory attack that even the calmest of dogs and cats would find overwhelming, and feels like the end of the world for them.

Loud noises trigger a dog’s flight or fight instinct so it’s very natural for them to find it alarming. New Year’s Eve, 4^th of July, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, all these special occasions often result in loud noise pollution for most animals.

While we cannot change immediately the urban environment we live in, we decided to equip you pawrents with some tips to help your furry family member tide through New Year’s Eve fireworks, especially if you know there will be some in your hood.

1. Prepare and secure your home in advance – Find out the timing for the fireworks and close all windows, draw the curtains, ensure your apartment, or house door and gates are secure so that there is so chance for your pet to get spooked and run out. If you live in a landed property make sure family members don't leave a door open by mistake and keep your dog's collar and tag on as a precaution, if you feel there will be a lot of movement.
2. Exercise - Complete outdoor walks, play and exercise well in advance before the crowd build-up so that your dog’s pent-up energy is released and ready to rest once home. Ideally, finish the evening meal also ahead of the noise pollution starting.
3. Create a safe space – it could be the dog’s bed kept in a cosy corner of the bedroom or drape some sheets over a table to create a den for your pet to retreat.
4. Stay at home and stay calm – if you can, do not leave your pet home alone when there are fireworks in the vicinity. Your presence will calm them and it is OK to find ways to pat, cuddle and relax them.
5. Distract and provide options – if your pet is not totally petrified, distract them with games or some or reward-based play so they slowly learn to be desensitized to loud noise pollution.
6. Play White Noise - you can try leaving a fan, TV, or music on to help mask the sounds of the fireworks. There are some classical music that has also been shown to have calming effects for dogs. 
7. Do not self-medicate but if your dog is particularly sensitive and impacted by noise pollution and it happens often in your neighborhood, speak with your vet for some natural calming supplements that will help ease the anxiety.

As we wrap up 2024, we wish you and your family the very best for 2024 – may you stay cozy and calm as we head into the new year!