As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, Atlanta is gearing up for spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations. While fireworks are a cherished tradition, it’s important to consider their impact on our furry friends. Let’s explore how to enjoy the festivities and the top ways to prepare our pets for NYE fireworks in Atlanta.
Atlanta’s Dazzling Fireworks Displays
Atlanta offers several exciting options to watch fireworks this New Year’s Eve:
- The Atlanta Peach Drop: Atlanta’s massive peach stands eight feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds. It is made of fiberglass and foam and, since 1989, has become a symbol of Atlanta’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- New Year’s Eve Bash at The Battery Atlanta: This family-friendly event features live entertainment including a performance by GRAMMY nominee Justin Roberts, an inflatable baseball drop for kids at 8 PM, and a grand fireworks display at midnight.
- 17th Street Bridge & Jackson Street Bridge: For a panoramic view of Midtown and Buckhead’s fireworks, these spots offer an excellent vantage point.
- Margaritaville at Lanier Islands: Enjoy a lakeside celebration with fireworks, live entertainment, and complimentary champagne toast.
The Impact of Fireworks on Pets
While humans marvel at the colorful explosions in the sky, many pets find fireworks distressing. Studies show that up to 50% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Cats are also affected, with 64% of cat owners reporting at least one sign of stress in their felines during fireworks.
Our pets’ fear of fireworks can manifest in some of the following ways:
- Injuries: A survey by Dogs Trust revealed that out of 18,000 dog owners, 2% reported injuries to their pets during fireworks displays.
- Escapes: The Kennel Club found that fireworks season sees 81% increase in dogs going missing.
- Behavior Changes: The Kennel Club also founds that 80% of dog owners notice significant changes in their dog’s behavior during fireworks.
- Physical Reactions: The same survey showed that common reactions to the sound of fireworks include shivering (31%), unusual barking (25%), and signs of stress like pacing and excessive panting (20%).
Top Ways to Prepare Our Pets for NYE Fireworks in Atlanta
To help your pets cope with the New Year’s Eve noise, consider these strategies:
Feed Them Early
Most pets won’t eat if they are above their stress threshhold. For this reason, I encourage you to feed your pets a couple hours before the fireworks displays are expected to start – usually right at sundown.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a cozy area where your pet can retreat. For dogs, this might be a crate or bed with their favorite blanket and toys. Cats and smaller pets often prefer enclosed spaces like covered boxes. Even better, put these dens in their favorite bedroom to keep them extra cozy during the fireworks displays.
Use Calming Sounds
Mask the fireworks noise with gentle background sounds and calming music. Soothing classical music or white noise can be particularly effective. However, keep the volume moderate – noise levels exceeding 80-85 decibels can negate calming effects even in sedated dogs.
Devices like the Pawzz sound machine for pets can provide a consistent, soothing sound to mask sudden noises. Some even have built-in bark detectors to activate automatically when your pet shows signs of distress.
Go for a Walk or Hike Before Fireworks Start
One of the best ways to prepare our pets for a noisy evening is to ensure their needs are met – especially their need for movement and exercise. Over the New Year’s holiday, stick to your dog’s dog walking routine or add walks to your schedule. A long walk will put your dog’s nervous system in optimal shape to withstand stress later in the evening.
Stay Calm and Offer Reassurance
Your pet takes cues from your behavior. Don’t listen to those that say you have to ignore them – that recommendation is based on outdated understandings of pet behavior. Instead, remain calm and offer gentle reassurance if your pet seeks comfort.
Consult a Professional
If your pet’s anxiety is severe, consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Only a small fraction of pet owners seek professional help for firework-related fear, but expert guidance can be invaluable. Just don’t wait until the 31st to contact your vet – call today!
Consider Desensitization for Future Events
While it’s too late to apply this approach for NYE 2024, for pets with consistent noise phobias, gradual exposure to recorded firework sounds at low volumes, paired with positive experiences, can help reduce fear over time. YouTube has training and sound videos for this purpose.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, let’s ensure our celebrations are enjoyable for everyone – including our four-legged family members. With a little preparation and understanding, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for our pets while still enjoying the magic of New Year’s Eve in Atlanta.
Existing clients, please request dog walking and pet sitting services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.
Buckhead Pet Pals proudly serves Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here. Happy Holidays!
Leave A Comment