Start Off the Year Right With Your Furry Friends: Things to Keep in Mind This Lunar New Year

The biggest holiday of the year is upon us and I’m sure we will soon be cooking, decorating, and preparing for the celebrations.

Here are some important things to keep in mind this Lunar New Year as we celebrate with our furry friends!

Meet Your Dog’s Needs

Being a pawrent is more than a full-time job! Even when we’re busy preparing for the holidays, our dog’s needs do not change. They still need walks and exercise and mental stimulation. Luckily it’s the perfect weather this time of year for some fun outings. Take a break and go discover a new hiking trail with your pup or visit a dog-friendly park! Stock up on their favourite dog treats like Stella and Chewy’s Wild Weenies, teach them a new trick, or try a new puzzle toy from Nina Ottoson! Here's why Puzzle Toys are Every Pawrent’s Indoor “Must-Have” Item. Whiskers N Paws has all your healthy pet care needs covered!

Prepare for Firecrackers

Although fireworks and firecrackers are illegal in Hong Kong, they are still popular in some areas during Lunar New Year. For safety reasons, bring your dogs indoors and never leave them unattended outside even if it’s in your own garden. When going on walks, use a sturdy dog harness such as the Ruffwear Web Master Harness, that your dog cannot slip out of in case they get startled. Be careful even if you are at an enclosed dog park as a scared dog may be able to jump or climb over the fence. Here're some tips to make sure you're choosing right harness for you dog!

If your dog is scared of loud noises, using a calming aid can help relieve stress. A thundershirt applies gentle pressure over their body similar to swaddling a baby and calms their anxiety in a natural, drug free way by providing a feeling of comfort and warmth. Homeopet has stress relief products for travel anxiety, storm stress, and general anxiety, made with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. Learn more about how to help your dog stay calm here!

Keep Flowers Out of Reach

Flowers are an important part of Lunar New Year decorations but while they are beautiful, they can be dangerous for our pets. Popular flowers and plants for the New Year including Chinese sacred lilies, chrysanthemums, amaryllis, lilies, azaleas, and lucky bamboo are poisonous to our furry friends. If consumed, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and even heart arrhythmias and seizures. Take your dog to the vet immediately if they eat any of these plants. Choose safer options for your home such as orchids, roses, daisies, pansies, petunias, and sunflowers, although it would still be best not to let your dog consume these flowers. Add vibrance and colour to your home while keeping your pets safe!

Use Pet Safe Cleaning Supplies

It is tradition to do a thorough cleaning of the house before the Lunar New Year to clear away any bad luck from the previous year and welcome good fortune for the new year. From floor cleaners to laundry detergents to disinfectants, make sure you’re using non-toxic, pet safe cleaning supplies! Check out our recommended cleaning products to keep your home clean and safe for pets.

From everyone at Whiskers N Paws, we wish you all a healthy, prosperous, and happy new year! Have a roaring Year of the Tiger!