It’s part of Filipino tradition and culture to welcome the New Year with firecrackers – often in our own homes. While this is a great way to celebrate, it can also bring unique challenges for our pets.
Ever heard your pet sneeze, cough, or seem unusually quiet? Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing can sometimes signal that your pet needs extra care—particularly when exposed to the stress and irritants of holiday celebrations.
Let’s explore how you can protect your pet during this festive season and ensure their breathing stays healthy and comfortable.
Respiratory Symptoms to Watch Out For
During the holidays, occasional sneezes or coughs might not seem alarming, but certain symptoms can become a concern:
- Sneezing: If persistent, it may be brought on by irritants like smoke or strong odors.
- Coughing: Firecracker smoke and scented candles might irritate your pet’s throat, leading to frequent coughing.
- Difficulty Breathing: Heavy or labored breathing requires immediate attention, especially after exposure to firecracker smoke.
- Nasal Discharge: Clear discharge might be harmless, but thick or colored mucus could signal a serious issue.
By keeping an eye on these symptoms, you can address potential problems before they escalate.
Respiratory Risks During New Year’s
- Firecracker Smoke
Firecrackers’ smoke can irritate pets’ airways, causing sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, as theirs are more sensitive than ours.
- Prevention Tip: Keep your pets indoors in a well-ventilated but smoke-free area. Close windows to block out smoke. Using air purifiers can be an option to improve air quality, however, it may still cause allergies and other respiratory issues.
- Festive Scents
Holiday-scented candles, air fresheners, and diffusers may contain strong fragrances that can irritate your pet’s respiratory system.
- Prevention Tip: Opt for pet-safe, unscented candles or diffusers, and keep them out of your pet’s reach.
- Stress and Anxiety
The loud noises from firecrackers and bustling holiday gatherings can stress pets, leading to heavy panting or labored breathing.
- Prevention Tip: Create a quiet, secure space for your pets where they can feel safe and relaxed when the festivities are playing out. Putting on some calming music or using pet-safe calming sprays can help, as well.
Special Care for New Year’s Eve
- Limit Exposure to Firecrackers
- Action Plan: Keep pets indoors before the celebrations begin. If possible, use blackout curtains to block out the flashing lights and reduce noise.
- Keep the Air Clean
- Action Plan: Avoid lighting firecrackers in your yard or near open windows. Close the windows in the room where your pets are staying to reduce smoke and airborne particles.
- Distract and Comfort
- Action Plan: Provide toys, chews, or a special treat to keep your pet occupied. Play soothing music or turn on the TV to drown out external noises.
- Watch for Post-Fireworks Symptoms
- Action Plan: After the celebrations, monitor your pet for signs of respiratory distress, such as heavy breathing, coughing, or lethargy. Seek veterinary care if symptoms persist.
Common Causes of Respiratory Symptoms
- Respiratory Infections: Stress can weaken immunity, making pets more prone to infections. Keep their vaccinations up to date. Need to book a vaccination? Why not do it from home with the Pettr app?
- Environmental Irritants: Smoke from firecrackers, festive candles, and even cooking fumes can irritate your pet’s respiratory system. Best to keep these away from them, when possible.
- Allergies: Holiday plants like poinsettias and other Christmas ornaments can trigger allergies in some pets.
Managing Your Pet’s Stress during NYE
Fireworks can be stressful for pets, but with preparation and care, you can help them stay calm.
- Create a quiet, safe space with their favorite blankets and toys, and play soothing music or white noise to block out the sounds.
- Exercise them earlier in the day to tire them out, and feed them before the noise starts.
- During fireworks, stay close to offer reassurance without overreacting, and use distractions like treat-dispensing toys or chews.
- Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and flashing lights.
- Consider calming aids like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or vet-approved remedies for more anxious pets.
After the fireworks, maintain their routine, provide extra cuddles, and monitor for lingering stress. Over time, gradual desensitization to loud noises can help them feel more at ease during future celebrations.
When to See the Vet
Some symptoms require immediate attention. Take your pet to the vet if they experience:
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing after the festivities.
- Thick or discolored nasal discharge.
- Changes in energy or eating habits.
By protecting your pets from holiday hazards and watching for signs of distress, you’ll ensure they enjoy a safe, happy, and stress-free holiday season. Let’s make this New Year’s Eve memorable for all the right reasons—for you and your furry companions! 🐾
