Calming your dog is especially important on New Year's Eve. The time around midnight with rockets and fireworks is stressful for dogs, cats and other animals, who of course do not understand what is happening around them. You can therefore take measures in advance to make the New Year's Eve celebrations with your dog as bearable as possible for your animal - especially if you know that your dog is sensitive to loud noises.
New Year's Eve with a Dog: Five Ways to Calm Your Dog
Celebrating New Year's Eve with a dog is always a special challenge. That's why we're presenting you with five ways to help your dog overcome New Year's fear.
1. Exercise your dog early
On New Year's Eve, it is a good idea to go for a long walk in daylight or early evening if possible. This way you can avoid "early starters" before the first firecrackers and rockets fly in the dark of the evening. It is important to keep the dog busy and, if possible, make him tired. You can continue this at home by playing games or going out into the garden. However, always keep your dog on a leash when you are out in nature so that you can control him even if he is frightened by sudden fireworks.
2. Darken rooms and exclude noise
As the evening approaches, it naturally gets dark very quickly at this time of year. Lower the shutters early, close the curtains and darken the rooms around midnight. This will take away your dog's fear on New Year's Eve and create as relaxed an atmosphere as possible.
3. Create retreat options and distract the dog
Your dog will usually already have one or two favorite places in his own home. To take away the dog's fear, it can also be a good idea to set up another, somewhat secluded, protected place on New Year's Eve or to expand the existing retreat. An old T-shirt or a pillowcase from the owner, together with a cozy blanket, create a cozy atmosphere. Treats for dogs , a special chew item or a chew stick can also distract the dog with intensive chewing and licking.
4. Stay close and signal normality
New Year's Eve with your dog is the ideal opportunity to give your pet closeness and signal normality - because on such a day he probably needs these signals even more than he already does. Go about your normal activities and don't show any particular excitement. This will also signal to your dog that everything is OK, even with fireworks and noise outside.
If the most important people show calm and composure in this situation, this can also have a positive effect on the dog.
5. Medications for the dog on New Year's Eve
Medication for the dog is a particular option if the animal is known to be sensitive to loud noises. However, you should check with your trusted veterinarian beforehand whether giving medication on New Year's Eve makes sense. Sedatives that merely sedate the dog should be avoided anyway - because they only reduce the animal's motor skills while it remains conscious and feels stress or fear. A natural remedy is, for example, a suitable tea for dogs , such as chamomile tea or fennel tea. Even small amounts can be enough to calm the dog on New Year's Eve. However, the dog should not be given larger amounts of tea. Pheromones can also have a calming effect and are available from specialist retailers.
Mastering New Year's Eve with your dog
When celebrating New Year's Eve with your dog, family is very important. You can create the conditions to ensure that your dog has as relaxed a night as possible. Work with your dog and allow closeness - these are the best ways to get through New Year's Eve relaxed. We wish you a happy new year!
