New Year’s Celebrations Could Endanger Your Pets—Here’s How to Protect Them
New Year’s celebrations can bring hidden dangers for household pets. Decorations, fireworks, and festive lights pose serious risks to animals if proper precautions aren’t taken. Veterinarians across Russia are urging owners to take steps now to keep their pets safe.
Common holiday items like tinsel, glass ornaments, and fairy lights can be deadly for pets. Chewing on electric wires may cause electric shocks, burns, or even cardiac problems. Broken glass decorations can cut paws or lead to severe internal injuries if swallowed. Tinsel and garlands, if ingested, often result in life-threatening blockages or perforations in cats.
Loud fireworks also create hazards. The noise can panic dogs, causing them to flee, injure themselves, or get lost. Experts stress that prevention is far more effective than treatment after an accident occurs.
To reduce risks, veterinarians recommend using unbreakable plastic or paper decorations. Securing trees and ornaments out of reach helps prevent accidents. Protecting electrical cords with casings and never leaving pets alone during fireworks displays are also key safety measures. Any signs of poisoning or injury in pets require urgent veterinary care.
Russia’s top veterinary universities, such as the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology and the Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, train specialists in animal safety. Their programmes highlight the importance of proactive measures during festive periods.
Pet owners are advised to act before celebrations begin. Simple changes, like choosing safer decorations and supervising animals during fireworks, can prevent serious harm. Immediate action is critical if a pet shows signs of distress or injury.
