Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to protect their pets this holiday season

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Humane Society of Louisiana is advising pet and livestock owners to take specific precautions to protect their animals during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The loud noise from fireworks often causes animals to run in terror, leading to a significant increase in lost pet reports at local shelters following the holiday.

To keep animals safe, the Humane Society recommends keeping all pets indoors with windows and curtains closed to dampen noise. Owners should walk dogs earlier in the day and ensure cats have access to an indoor litter tray before the festivities begin. Using background noise from a television or radio can help mask the sound of explosions, while interactive toys and treats can provide a necessary distraction.

Creating a dark, cozy den with blankets allows pets to retreat to a safe space if they feel overwhelmed. Owners are encouraged to remain calm and offer gentle support without overreacting to the noise. For animals with high anxiety, products such as calming pheromones, nutritional supplements, or pressure wraps like Thundershirts may be beneficial.

The organization also suggests long term strategies like sound desensitization training. Finally, owners must verify that microchips and identification tags are current in case an animal becomes lost. The Humane Society suggests alternative celebrations such as planting trees or donating to local shelters to reduce the negative impact on wildlife and domestic animals.

This article originally ran on ktbs.com.