Safety is the be-all and end-all:
Only take your dog for a walk on a lead during the entire New Year's Eve period. Unexpected popping noises can panic even well-behaved dogs and cause them to flee.
Use an escape-proof harness for your dog to ensure that it cannot break free.
Check that the data on the microchip is up to date and includes your current address and telephone number. If your dog escapes despite all precautions, this will make it easier to return him.
Cats that are normally allowed outside should be kept safely indoors on New Year's Eve. The hustle and bustle and noises can make them very anxious and put them in danger.
Avoid exposure to firecrackers on New Year's Eve:
Go for your last walk with your dog well before dusk to avoid confrontations with firecrackers and fireworks.
If possible, drive to a quieter area to go for a walk. Alternatively, the walk can be shortened to the bare minimum.
If your pet shows even slight signs of anxiety, you should consider, in consultation with your vet, suitable medication or tranquillisers in good time to improve their well-being.
Making living space safe:
Keep windows closed and shutters down. This reduces the visual stimuli of flashing lights and muffles noise.
Draw the curtains and switch on the light: Curtains should also be closed. Switch on the light in the room to reduce the contrast with the flashes of light.
Use white, pink or brown noises as a constant background noise (there are special devices or apps for this). These cover unpleasant popping noises better than just the TV or radio.
Dogs often seek out windowless, quiet rooms such as bathrooms, toilets or basements. Make sure that they can rest there without being disturbed.
Offer cats places to hide, for example by opening cupboard doors or special cat dens where they can feel safe.
Counter-conditioning (offer treats and distractions)
Have particularly favourite treats ready. If there is a loud bang, give the animal a piece to associate the shock with something positive.
Distraction with toys: Use treat mats or filled Kongs to keep the animal occupied and create a positive association. Some animals can even be motivated to play, which can also help.
Social support:
Spend the evening with your pet and don't leave it alone. Your presence offers him security.
Calming stroking or massaging can help, but remain calm and composed yourself so as not to signal any additional anxiety. Avoid reinforcing the animal's behaviour by overreacting; instead, radiate calm and security.
Once again this year, PENNY and PURINA Austria are sending out a strong signal in favour of animal welfare and support for social institutions. The donation of a total of 15 pallets of dog and cat food will not only support the work of the Gruft care centre run by Caritas Archdiocese of Vienna and TierQuarTier Vienna, but will also directly help the animals that are cared for in these facilities. The joint campaign is a contribution to sustainably improving the quality of life of these animals and ensuring their basic needs are met.
‘Animals give us their unconditional love - now it's up to us to give them protection and care in return. With our food donation, we want to show that no four-legged friend in need is forgotten and that every little contribution counts when it comes to the welfare of our faithful friends,’ says Kai Pataky, PENNY Managing Director Austria.
‘At PURINA, we firmly believe that people and animals are simply happier together! Especially on New Year's Eve, when dogs and cats feel great fear due to firecrackers and fireworks, they need the support and love of their owners. With our food donations to the Gruft and TierQuarTier, we can also make a valuable contribution and support people who care about animal welfare as much as we do,’ says Marius Baumeister, Business Unit Manager for PURINA Austria.
In addition, PENNY has deliberately refrained from selling fireworks during the New Year's Eve season since 2021 - another step that supports both animal welfare and the environment.
More information can be found at www.penny.at
