Let Your Pet Have a Happy New Year

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Julia Norton-Dennis – KGMB9 News


While ringing in the New Year with fireworks may be your way of celebrating, our four-legged friends see it differently. Loud noises can send them running.

The Hawaiian Humane Society has some tips for keeping your dog, or cat, happy during the New Year's celebration.

"It's best to keep your dog inside with you during the fireworks," said Pamela Burns from the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Burns adds that if you don't have room in the house, consider the garage, if it has a door that closes.

Dog owners KGMB9 spoke with seem to already have a New Year's plan. Jada Kahakelii, who owns Miracle, a five-month-old chihuahua-pomeranian mix, is staying home with her dog.

"Please keep your dogs in, because I work also at the Humane Society and I take a lot of lost reports," Kahakelii said. "Last year, I worked the day and I took at least 30 reports just myself."

John Carroll also plans to spend a quiet evening at home with his wife, two small children and Daphne, a four-year-old Old English Bulldog.

"We're pretty lucky," Carroll said. "Daphne is pretty resistant to the fireworks. Usually she just sleeps right through it. It's the smoke that gets her."

For some people, the New Year celebration would not be complete without all the family.

Tam Anderson, incoming president of the Chihuahua Club of Hawaii, has three chihuahuas. She stays home every New Year's Eve.

"For the dogs, for the pets, they're my family, they're my children, so it's important to be there for them, if they need it," Anderson said.

If the unthinkable does happen and your dog or cat gets loose, check at the Hawaiian Humane Society's "incoming animals" section. It's open 24 hours. And, make sure your animals have a collar, tag or are micro-chipped.

"Make sure that they're always wearing identification, so that if they do get lost, we can return them home very easily," Burns said.

If you're considering sedatives, check with a veterinarian, to see if your dog can medically handle the medicine. Veterinarians check the pet's health and disposition.

"Then we look at how they are with loud noises or anxiety situations. If they're going to physically hurt themselves, or if they're going to hurt themselves in terms of body condition, or as individuals, then they would be the choice for these medications," said Leianne Lee Loy, DVM at University Animal Hospital.

Brad McGuire brought Kea, a one-year-old labrador-pit bull mix to Dr. Lee Loy to see if the dog is a good candidate for sedatives.

McGuire believes Kea will get scared when the fireworks begin. After examining the dog, Dr. Lee Loy said Kea is in perfect health and would handle the sedatives well.

Before giving sedatives to your animal, check with your veterinarian first and follow all instructions. Make it a happy and safe New Year for everyone in your home.