While many people saw in the new year with food, drink and friends, your pets may have spent the end of 2008 and the start of 2009 in distress and terror.

The crack and bang of New Year's Eve fireworks cause distress to many animals. And it wasn't just last night.

Here at the Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne, we have just experienced the impact of illegal fireworks being set off. The noise causes many dogs to bolt in fear from their homes.

At this time of year we rescue hundreds of dogs who have fled their homes because of the noise.

But there are also many other hazards for pets at this time of year.

The weather is one. Thunder can drive many animals to distraction. Hot days are another.

But other problems are less well-known.

Just before Christmas a little brown dog (left) was found wandering in the Dandenong Ranges.

He was admitted to our pound at Cranbourne West.

Within 24 hours he had collapsed; his back legs were paralysed and his breathing laboured.

He was rushed to the vet where a small paralysis tick, attached to the skin under his front leg, was found.

The toxins from the tick caused an ascending paralysis.

Without immediate treatment he would have been dead as the toxins would have paralysed the muscles in his chest, causing him to stop breathing.

He was transferred to the Animal Emergency Centre in Hallam, anti-tick serum was administered and he was placed on an intravenous drip.

He was transferred to the Lost Dogs' Home veterinary clinic for further treatment.

His life hung in the balance for three days.

He gradually regained co-ordination and is now fully recovered and looking for his owners -- or a new home.

The holiday period is also a time of year when families take on ownership of a new puppy or kitten.

Over the past decade we have promoted the message that a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

It is a simple slogan but the message is not getting through to everyone.

When young animals grow and demand a continuing commitment, some people simply dump them.

Owners also need to understand that all pups and kittens need to be properly socialised from the start.

They need to meet other animals and people.

Dogs need to be walked regularly and the new owner should take basic training with the new pup.

New animals need to be microchipped and desexed.

This year the Lost Dogs' Home aims to increase the claim rate for lost dogs and cats and the adoption rate, therefore reducing the numbers being put down humanely.

To achieve these goals we hope that all owners have made a New Year's resolution to treat their pets with more TLC and ensure that they are properly trained, fed correctly, microchipped, desexed and wear current identification.

We'd like your pets to enjoy 2009 as much as you hope to.