Animal lovers offer DIY wrap to reduce dogs’ anxiety on New Year’s Eve

Anyone who lives with dogs or cats knows that the loud bangs and booms of the New Year's Eve celebrations can be a source of fear and stress for their furry friends.

In fact, warn the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition, the "acoustic violence" of firecrackers on the sensitive ears of cats and dogs can lead to long-term trauma for the animals. The groups earlier listed tips on how to create a safe environment for pets at home on New Year's Eve.

Now, PAWS has also tweeted a DIY version of a possibly anxiety-reducing item for dogs, the Thundershirt.

DIY Thundershirt to help relieve anxiety this new year. (Saw this on FB; it actually works--for my dogs at least)???????????? pic.twitter.com/okaRxG9dqA

— Gelo of PAWS (@GeloOfPAWS) December 27, 2015

The Thundershirt is a "dog anxiety vest" available in the market. It acts as a "swaddle" for dogs, applying pressure on their body to help relieve fear, over-excitement, or stress. But you don't have to buy one. The DIY version gives simple instructions on how to use a piece of fabric, like a scarf, to wrap around the dog's body and mimic the Thundershirt's effect.  — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News