HONOLULU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Many animals are not fans of fireworks, and pet institutions are gearing up for their busiest time of year and urging pet owners to plan ahead now.
Veterinarians said the week leading up to New Years Eve can be quite scary for our furry friends because fireworks can go off at any time before New Years Eve.
“Illegal fireworks can be really loud to animals, here in the shelters too and its important to remember they’re ears are much more sensitive than ours, and they don’t understand this is a cultural display or a fun activity to do, to them it’s just really scary,” explained Brandy Shimabukuro, communications with the Hawaiian Humane Society.
She said the days following Jan. 1, 2024, there were six dead animals brought in to the Hawaiian Humane Society after they were hit by a car after having escaped from their home.
“When pets hear these loud explosions it triggers this fight or flight response,” she added. “They might do something or put themselves in harms risk to get away because they don’t understand what these fireworks mean to them.”
She suggested bringing all animals inside NYE and keeping them in a safe place away from windows and doors.
“It doesn’t take much for a large dog to scale a six to 10-foot fence,” she added.
She also recommended pet owners tire out their animals before nightfall; either take them to the beach or park, and then put on the tv or some music to help drown out the sound of explosions.
“I like to do this thing with my dogs where I’ll get the food bowl and I’ll wipe peanut butter, blueberries, kibble with some water and freeze it and that keeps them busy both mentally and physically,” she said.
She also recommended a pheromone spray which can be bought at any pet supply store, she said it helps keep cats and dogs calm.
But some stores KHON2 stopped at on Thursday were almost sold out, so make sure you buy ahead of time.
And for animals that have extreme anxiety, veterinarians encourage people to call right away if they need anxiety prescriptions.
“We see more prescription requests for New Years Eve than any other day of the year,” explained Dr. Maureen Rankin, from Alii Pet Hospital in Kakaako.
“Now is the time, please call us now or before the last day of the month,” she added.
She said most pets that have been seen in the last 12 months can get a prescription.
She said other things pet owners can do is consider going to a pet-friendly hotel since the walls are more noise-proof.
“Close the doors, close the windows, and blinds,” she suggested. “If your pet is happier in a quiet place, like the bath tub, let them stay in there, give them treats and medication if needed.”
And consider boarding your pet on NYE if you plan on having a party or attending one.
“Some of our clients will book almost a year in advance to get spots for New Years Eve because their pets are more comfortable in quieter, double-wall construction buildings than at home,” she added.
Pet experts said even the calmest animal can have different reactions when under extreme stress and pet owners should be mindful of stress symptoms; like excessive panting, pacing, whining, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.