New Year’s Eve is a night filled with celebrations as another year ends and another starts but while many of us enjoy firework displays and parties, our canine companions can be less keen.
If you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering how to keep your pet calm while the pop, bang and whizz of fireworks fill their ears.
December 31 can be a scary time for pets so it’s important to know how to make them as comfortable as possible on the night.
To help you out, Lorna Winter, co-founder and head of training at Zigzag, has shared some top tips to help reduce your dog’s firework fear on New Year’s Eve.
6 tips to help you keep your dog calm this New Year’s Eve
A puppy who is anxious or distressed will give indicators through their body language which can include panting, shaking, hiding and having their ears being flat at the back of their head.
Don’t ignore your dog if they’re scared
Ignoring your dog’s behaviour won’t make it go away so don’t do this if you notice they’re feeling anxious.
Instead, stay with them and support them while fireworks are being let off. If they’re left alone, this fear can become a phobia.
Take your dog for a walk during daylight hours
To help reduce your dog’s anxiety, avoid walking them during times when fireworks are liking to be let off.
If your dog is exercised during the day, it could also mean they’re more tired at night and more likely to relax and remain less anxious.
New Year celebrations will soon be upon us and the unexpected loud bangs and bright lights that fireworks bring can be startling for our pets, livestock and wildlife 🎇
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) December 27, 2023
If you're worried about your pets over New Year, check out our top tips ➡️ https://t.co/HTm5W62a7d pic.twitter.com/QFl4IX6BO5
Muffle out the sound
The sound of fireworks can’t be drowned out fully but muffling to block the noise outside could help your dog relax.
Your dog might be more relaxed if you play classical or ambient music to distract them while the fireworks are being let off.
A white noise machine could also help or you could try turning the TV volume up providing a more constant level of noise.
Create a safe space for your dog
If your dog becomes anxious, you might see them run and hide to a smaller space so they feel secluded and safe from the outside world.
Making your dog a safe space will mean you can keep an eye on them and you can add their favourite toys and blankets for extra comfort.
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Distract your dog and play with them
If you can show your dog that you’re unbothered by the sounds and feel unthreatened, this could help them feel more comfortable.
See if your dog will play with you like normal by giving them interactive feeders and chew toys.
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Use anxiety wraps
Anxiety wraps create a slight pressure on the dog’s torso and create a calming effect, similar to when humans hug each other.
Lorna Winter advises that it’s always best to speak to a professional first before trying anything new with a puppy. You can also ask them for any medical or health advice.
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