More and more pet owners see their dogs as full-fledged members of the family and want them to be part of the celebrations – whether through an advent calendar, a Christmas gift, or even by bringing them to family gatherings. However, according to the Take Me Home Foundation, it’s important to prepare for this period by taking the dog’s needs into account.
During Christmas visits, it is advisable to designate a quiet corner for your pets in advance, where they can retreat at any time, as they can easily be exposed to too many stimuli. If you are taking them with you to visit others people, familiar items such as a blanket, bed, favourite toy or treats can help them to feel safe and secure. Travel can also be a stress-free experience if pets are properly secured, regular stops are made for short walks and they are given the opportunity to explore their surroundings at their own pace.
Why is the last day of the year so difficult for dogs?
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the issue of fireworks and firecrackers once again takes centre stage, often creating tension between dog owners and non-dog owners. It is important to know that a dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than a human’s, so loud bangs can be unpredictable and threatening to them. In such situations, dogs may panic, hide or, most dangerously, try to run away. Based on the Take Me Home Foundation’s experience, the number of stray animals increases dramatically on the last day of the year.
“On New Year’s Eve, it is especially important to keep your pets safe. We therefore ask owners to bring them indoors during this period,between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. if possible, even if they are normally kept outside. Creating a predictable and secure environment is essential, and it is worth setting up a quiet, sheltered space where they can retreat. It also helps a great deal if dogs are properly exercised earlier in the day with a longer walk, of course on a leash, so they are less likely to react nervously to the noise later on. “Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar with an ID tag and that the microchip data are up to date. This can easily be checked with a veterinarian,” says András Óvári, founder of the Take Me Home Foundation. “During fireworks, drawn curtains and some background noise, such as music or the TV, can also help attenuate outside sounds. In case of severe anxiety, it is worth seeking advice from a professional,” he added.
Extra security through technology
Microchipping is the foundation of pet safety, but it is just as important that the chip can be read quickly. The Take Me Home Foundation and its partners operate free microchip scanners at more than 430 locations nationwide. The foundation’s 12 volunteer veterinarians assist in every reported case, identifying the animal by its chip number and notifying the owner, ensuring that dogs can return home quickly and safely.
Just a few years ago, tracking dogs was much more cumbersome, with separate devices, complex setup processes and bulky trackers being the only solution. Today, however, small, easy-to-use smart devices that people already use in everyday life can help make walks – or even New Year’s Eve – safer. Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag, both of which are available from Yettel, can easily be attached to a collar and help owners see their pet’s location via an app on their smartphone. These devices do not operate on a continuous GPS basis. Instead, they update their location data using nearby compatible smartphones, making them particularly useful in urban environments or busier areas.
Owners can receive alerts when their dog moves away from a familiar location. When the dog is nearby, an audible signal can also help owners to locate their pet. However, it is important to emphasise that these smart trackers do not replace the mandatory microchip. They are a valuable addition when a quick response is needed in an unexpected situation, such as when a frightened dog runs away on New Year’s Eve.