If you’re like us, you can’t wait to ring in yet another wonderful new year with your cat or dog. Some of the most popular holiday traditions, though, aren’t so pet-friendly. Before the countdown begins, make sure you’re prepared with these five essential New Year’s Eve safety tips for pets.
 

1.Keep grapes away from pets.

Many Latin American cultures ring in the new year by eating 12 grapes or raisins, one for every chime as the clock strikes midnight. Some families eat their grapes under the table for extra assurance of luck and prosperity in the new year. If your traditions involve grapes, just make sure your pets don’t sneak a taste. Grapes and raisins contain a compound that causes acute kidney failure in dogs and cats.
 

2.Take care with New Year’s Kisses.

As the clock strikes midnight, you might look forward to kissing the ones you love - especially those with four legs. While many pets are accustomed to sharing kisses with their pet parents, close contact can be triggering for some. Even pets that don’t mind kisses might be startled when the ball drops, overwhelmed by the lights and noises of the big moment. To avoid a bite or scratch, make sure your pet is prepared before you lean in to kiss their face, and warn guests, especially children, to take care when entering your pet’s personal space.
 

3.Put away the poppers.

Party favors and decorations are fun for guests, but their contents can pose a hazard for pets. Watch out for bits of tinsel, glitter, pompoms, and other small pieces that can break off costumes or decorations, or come out of balloons or party poppers, as these can lead to choking or gastrointestinal obstruction.
 

4.Bring dogs and cats inside.

In many parts of the country, this time of the year is the coldest, and your region may experience freezing and even below zero temperatures in the middle of the night. If you’ll be letting your pets outside or going for walks later than usual, make sure your pets wear coats or sweaters, if needed, and limit their time outside. Also, keep in mind that dogs and cats may escape backyards or roam too far if spooked by fireworks and rowdy neighborhood partygoers. Bring your pets inside and give them a warm, quiet space to escape the loud, cold night.
 

5.Keep drinks away from pets.

Dogs and cats can be attracted to the smell of alcoholic drinks, but they can suffer alcohol poisoning if allowed to imbibe. Even sparkling, non-alcoholic beverages can pose a serious health risk, as many are made with grapes. You can, however, let your dog or cat “toast” with their own pet-friendly beverage. A serving of bone broth is a safe, healthy way for your pet to enjoy their own New Year’s cheers.