Keeping dogs and cats safe during Tết and fireworks: calm fears, prevent loss

Dogs and cats hear far better than we do, so loud bangs, constant flashes and the smell of smoke can easily send them into a panic. Some pets tremble, hide under the bed, bark or meow non-stop. Others scratch at doors, chew things up or try everything to get outside. Tết also brings visitors, doors opening all day and a changed home, which adds to the stress. It is one of the times of year when the most pets go missing. Understanding your pet's fear helps you prepare better instead of scolding it for acting strangely.

A few days before Tết, pick a quiet room or corner away from windows and the front door. Add a familiar bed, water, toys and a favourite blanket. If your pet is crate-trained, draping a towel over the crate can make it feel like a safe "den". Close the windows and curtains to reduce the flashes, and play soft music or the TV at a moderate volume to mask the bangs. Introduce your pet to this space early and reward it for lying there, so on fireworks night it knows where to go on its own.

During fireworks hours, keep your pet inside with the gate, balcony doors and windows firmly shut. Take your dog out for a toilet break and walk before the fireworks start, always on a leash, and check that the collar or harness is not loose. Cats are best kept in a closed room. When your pet is frightened, sit nearby, talk softly and let it hide if it wants, without pulling it out or forcing a cuddle. Never scold or punish it for being scared. If your pet has panicked badly in past years, talk to a vet early, and never give it human sedatives.

With a full house and doors opening constantly, it is easy for your pet to slip out. Remind family and guests to close doors carefully, or keep your pet in its own room while guests are arriving. Sweets, chocolate, fatty food, small bones, onion, garlic and alcohol are not for dogs and cats, so keep them up high and remind children not to feed your pet. Flowers, ornamental plants, decorations and the five-fruit tray should also be kept out of reach. If your pet eats something unusual and seems unwell, take it to the vet right away.

However careful you are, one open door at the moment a firework goes off is all it takes for a pet to bolt. Before Tết, make sure your pet is wearing a well-fitted collar with your contact details. With a PetID QR collar or ID tag, anyone who finds your pet just scans the code to reach you, even in the middle of the night. Also update your current phone number, especially if you are taking your pet with you to your hometown for the holiday.

Do not wait until the holiday is over to start looking. Search around your home and nearby alleys straight away, since frightened pets usually hide in sheltered spots close to home. Call your pet's name in a normal voice and bring food and familiar items. At the same time, post a notice with a clear face photo on the PetID lost pet community so neighbours and fellow pet lovers in the area can keep an eye out. Prepare early, keep your pet indoors and attach an ID tag: three steps for a peaceful Tết for you and your pet.