New Year’s Eve is the last great celebration of the year, and it’s the perfect time to shake off the stress of the holidays and just have fun. You’ll reminisce over your fondest memories of 2015, and you’ll anticipate what 2016 will bring as you watch the ball drop (if you manage to stay up that late). While you’re celebrating, however, please don’t forget to include your dog in your NYE plans. Instead of letting them join the party, remember that your dog would probably prefer some solitude. The best dog fence in the world can’t contain a dog who gets terrified by fireworks. To make New Year’s Eve as enjoyable as possible for everyone, be sure to keep these dog safety tips in the forefront of your mind.

Keep Your Dog Indoors

When the sun goes down and midnight draws closer, NYE festivities will be in full swing. The best thing you can do for your dog is to keep them indoors, because most dogs are scared or upset by loud noise and fireworks. Don’t consider bringing your dog with you to any fireworks displays. If any fireworks are audible from your home, keep your dog inside to reduce their exposure to the noise. If you are having a party at your house, keep your dog in a quiet, closed room, or consider using a baby gate or indoor electric fence for dogs to ensure they don’t escape when your guests go in and out of your home.

Don’t Let Your Dog Off the Leash

If for some reason you must bring your dog out with you to any celebration, do not let your dog off their leash. Also, make sure their collar fits properly, because if it is too loose, your dog could manage to pull themselves out of it. At home on New Year’s Eve, don’t let your dog into your yard without a leash, especially if your method of containment is an invisible dog fence. If your dog is frightened by noise or fireworks, they could suddenly and unexpectedly bolt out of your yard. Keeping your dog on a leash when they’re outside will prevent them from getting lost. As always, remain with your dog when they’re leashed; do not leave them tethered outside alone, or they’re at risk of getting tangled in the leash and choking.

Don’t Leave Alcohol Unattended

Alcohol is a toxic substance to all living things, especially dogs. While you and your guests may have a bit of a tolerance for alcohol consumption, your dog doesn’t at all. Never feed alcohol to your dog, and do not leave alcohol unattended in your home if your dog is around. Remind your guests not to set their cups down where your dog could reach them, because alcohol – especially when mixed with something sweet – can be attractive to dogs. If drinks are set up in one room, consider placing a gate or electronic dog fence in the threshold of that room to prevent your dog from gaining access to any alcohol or mixers.

Skip the Noisemakers

Whether you’re having a big party, a small gathering, or just staying up late with your kids, skip the noisemakers this New Year’s Eve if you have a dog in your home. Dogs have very sensitive hearing, and they will be distressed by the unusual sounds. Noisemakers can also be hazardous if your dog finds one and decides to chew on it. Small plastic pieces and streamers can choke your dog, cause intestinal blockages, or cause other internal injuries. Rather than worry about it, eliminate the potential hazard entirely and don’t buy noisemakers this year.

Watch for Signs of Stress

Dogs do get very distressed in new situations, around a lot of people, and especially around a lot of noise. When dogs are stressed, they can become dehydrated or sick. Throughout the evening, watch your dog for any signs that they’re stressed. The biggest indicator of stress is if your dog is acting in a way that’s unusual for them. Other signs of stress include things like growling, hiding, cowering, panting, pacing back and forth, jumping, staring, freezing up, showing the white of their eyes, or if their fur is standing on end. If your dog is stressed, take them to a quiet, dark room to rest, and make sure they have plenty of water.

Give Your Dog a Safe Zone

One of the best things you can do for your dog to keep them safe on New Year’s Eve is to give them their own “safe zone.” Rather than allow your dog to be near the celebration, put them in a closed room alone with food, water, toys, and their comfort items like their bed. Your dog will spend most of the evening relaxing and resting. If you’re traveling or don’t have a room to use, set up a gate or indoor wireless dog fence to section off a portion of the home for just your dog.

While your dog may not be as excited about the new year as you are, they will still be affected by any noise and activity going on around them. As long as you plan to reduce your dog’s stress levels and keep them away from potential dangers, everyone will enjoy a New Year’s Eve free from worry, and you can let loose as much as you’d like. Happy New Year!

These New Year’s Eve safety tips were provided by our educational partner Dog Fence DIY.

It’s a Gift Card Giveaway !

To welcome in the new year, and make dogs across the world happier this New Year’s Eve, I’m happy to be partnering with Dog Fence DIY to give away a $25 Amazon gift card.

To enter, leave a comment below and tell us about your dog(s) and New Year’s Eve.

To gain a second entry, share this post on social media (you can use the share icons below) and please post a link in your comment with your share.

The contest will be open until midnight EST, Sunday, January 3rd, 2016.

Good luck!

Winner Selection

One US winner will be chosen via the WordPress plugin And the Winner Is...

Once the winner is announced, you will be contacted via email and will have one week to respond. Otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Note: This post was created in cooperation with Dog Fence DIY,  and they are providing the gift certificate for giveaway. I was in no way paid for hosting this giveaway or to express my opinion. The thoughts are my own and have in no way been influenced by outside parties. No Ordinary Homestead will not be held responsible for any non-performance on the part of the vendor but will do everything possible to make sure you get your prize (should problems arise).