New Year’s Eve is a time of joy and celebration for many of us, but for our dogs, it can be a source of stress and anxiety. Review our hints and below to ensure that you are preparing for a safe and calm New Year’s Eve with your dog. With loud fireworks, unfamiliar visitors, and disruptions to their routine, dogs can struggle to cope with the festivities. The good news? With the right preparation and care, you can make this New Year’s Eve a safe and calm experience for your dog.
Please find below our Paws on Point podcast on preparation for New Years Eve. In this episode Renee discusses essential tips for preparing dogs. The conversation covers creating a calm environment, understanding dog anxiety, and providing safety measures to ensure an stress-free celebration for pets. The strategies include designating a quiet space, conforting anxious dogs, and being mindful of festive hazards. The episode concludes with a checklist of preparations to help dogs feel secure during the festivities.
Alternatively you can listed to our podcast on Spotify by clicking on the link below
Your Dog Doesn’t Need to Be a Party Animal
It’s important to remember that your dog doesn’t need to be part of the action to have a good night. While it may seem fun to include them in the festivities, the noise, excitement, and unfamiliar activity can be overwhelming.
Instead, create a dedicated safe space where your dog can retreat and relax. This could be a quiet room in your home equipped with:
Their bed or blanket for comfort.
Familiar toys to keep them entertained.
Background noise such as calming music or a white noise machine to drown out the sounds of fireworks and celebrations.
Letting your dog have their own quiet area not only helps them feel secure but also reduces their exposure to potential stressors.
Comfort Your Dog When They Seek Attention
Some dogs prefer solitude during stressful times, while others may seek comfort and reassurance from their human companions. If your dog comes to you for attention, it’s okay to provide it. Contrary to popular myths, comforting your dog when they’re scared won’t reinforce their fear.
Instead, your calm presence and soothing tone can help them feel supported and safe. Gentle petting, or simply sitting with them, can make a
big difference in easing their anxiety.
Talk to Your Vet About Anxiety Remedies
If you know your dog tends to become extremely anxious during New Year’s Eve, it’s a good idea to consult your vet ahead of time. They can recommend a variety of options to help manage your dog’s stress, such as:
Medications: Prescription medications can help reduce panic responses in severely anxious dogs.
Calming Products: Pheromone sprays, calming supplements, or anxiety wraps like ThunderShirts may provide additional comfort.
The key is to plan early, as these remedies may require some time to take effect or may need to be introduced gradually.
Be Mindful of Festive Foods and Decorations
The holiday season often brings indulgent treats and festive décor, but many of these can be hazardous to dogs.
Foods to Avoid:
Chocolate: Highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Alcohol: Extremely dangerous and can lead to severe poisoning.
Rich or Fatty Foods: Foods like turkey skin, gravy, or cheese can cause pancreatitis.
Keep all food and drink out of reach, and ensure your guests know not to share their snacks with your dog.
Decorations to Watch Out For:
Tinsel and Ornaments: These can look like toys to a curious dog but may cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Fairy Lights and Cables: Dogs may chew on them, risking electric shock or burns.
Candles: Open flames can lead to burns or start a fire if knocked over.
Supervise your dog in areas with decorations or restrict their access to these spaces altogether.
Fireworks: Reducing the Noise and Stress
Fireworks are one of the most stressful parts of New Year’s Eve for many dogs. Here are strategies to help reduce their impact:
Create a Calm Environment
Close windows, doors, and curtains to block out noise and flashing lights.
Play soothing music or white noise to muffle the sound of fireworks.
Dim the lights in your dog’s safe space to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Offer Enrichment Activities
Distraction can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. Provide your dog with an enrichment activity, such as:
A stuffed Kong filled with their favourite treats.
A puzzle feeder to keep their mind engaged.
Long-lasting chews, which can be both entertaining and calming.
Stay Calm and Reassuring
Dogs are highly perceptive and will pick up on your emotions. Staying calm and relaxed will help signal to your dog that there’s nothing to fear.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Night
Preparation is essential for ensuring your dog’s safety and comfort on New Year’s Eve.
Update Identification: Make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip information are up-to-date in case they escape during the festivities.
Walk Early: Take your dog for a walk during the daytime, well before the fireworks start. Exercise can help tire them out and make them more likely to settle later.
Have a Safety Plan: If you’re hosting or attending a party, ensure your dog has a secure and quiet place to stay.
Keep Your Dog on a Lead
Fireworks aren’t limited to New Year’s Eve – they can start in the days leading up to it and continue after. Always keep your dog on a lead during walks around this time, as sudden loud noises can startle even the most well-trained dog.
A secure lead not only prevents your dog from bolting but also gives you peace of mind when you’re outside.
Understanding Canine Anxiety
Dogs experience anxiety because they don’t understand the loud noises and bright flashes associated with fireworks. To them, these sounds can feel unpredictable and threatening.
If your dog has had a negative experience with fireworks in the past, they may associate these noises with fear, which compounds their anxiety over time.
Patience and understanding are key. Anxiety isn’t something your dog can control, so punishment is counterproductive and can worsen their fear. Instead, focus on providing reassurance, a calm environment, and positive distractions.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s Eve can be a challenging time for dogs, but with the right preparation and care, you can make it a safe and calm experience for them.
Here’s a recap of your New Year’s Eve checklist:
Create a quiet, safe space for your dog to relax.
Comfort your dog if they seek reassurance.
Consult your vet about medications or calming remedies if your dog experiences severe anxiety.
Keep festive foods and decorations out of reach.
Minimise the impact of fireworks with soundproofing, enrichment toys, and calming techniques.
Plan ahead by updating ID details, walking your dog early, and setting up their safe space.
Keep your dog on a lead during walks to prevent them from bolting.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your dog feels secure and cared for while you enjoy the celebrations. Here’s to a safe and happy New Year for you and your dog!