Dog on New Year's Eve – Can You Prepare Him for It?

New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated events of the year. Almost everyone prepares for it with great enthusiasm, wanting the occasion to mark a breakthrough and the beginning of something better. However, these big preparations, especially involving fireworks, make it one of the most stressful nights in your pet's life – also because the fireworks can be heard for many hours, not only at midnight and not only at large music events but also during private parties. How can you calm your dog on New Year's Eve? Can you prepare him for the fireworks? What can you expect from his behavior?

New Year's Eve with Your Dog – How Will Your Four-Legged Friend React?

What to do with your dog on New Year's Eve? With the onset of fireworks and unfamiliar sounds and bangs, your dog may start barking, whining, or howling. He might run around the house or apartment, trying to find the source of his anxiety by looking out the window or, on the contrary, hide under the bed, seeking the darkest and quietest corner where he can feel safe. In more extreme cases, dogs may tremble or even lose control over their bladder and urinate on the floor out of fear.

The highest sensitivity to the noise and fireworks explosions is observed in mixed-breed dogs. This trait is much less common among pedigree dogs. Why such a difference? Sound sensitivity is considered a flaw in the animal, so dogs that are highly fearful and overly reactive to noise are not included in breeding as potential candidates for further reproduction.

How to Prepare Your Dog for New Year's Eve Celebrations?

Calming your dog on New Year's Eve can be very challenging. The most important thing is to start preparing your dog for this night well in advance to reduce the stress, anxiety, and panic that may arise. How can you do it?

Ensure Proper Training!

A few months earlier, gradually get your dog used to the sound of fireworks by playing these types of noises while trying to engage him in play.

You can also try to lure him with his favorite treat. A dog that is stressed and focused on the perceived threat may not hear your voice, so you can try distracting him from the fireworks with a treat. If you practice this method, you may notice that your dog on New Year's Eve starts to associate the sounds with something positive – his favorite snacks.

Control Your Own Emotions!

Dogs are very empathetic. They can sense what you're feeling at any given moment, and your emotions can significantly affect them. If you panic, your dog will also start to feel anxious and fearful. However, do not overly try to calm your dog. During the fireworks, behave as if nothing is happening. If your dog doesn't sense tension from you, he will also manage his emotions better.

Microchipping Your Dog – Better Safe Than Sorry!

Dogs on New Year's Eve can react violently and unexpectedly. There may also be situations where your dog suddenly escapes through an open door or garden gate, trying to flee from the perceived danger. It is no coincidence that after New Year's Eve, there are many "Lost Dog" announcements.

It is essential to take all possible precautions to prevent escape. However, if such a situation does occur, finding the animal can be very difficult. Therefore, as a precaution, decide to microchip your dog.

A microchip for your dog is completely safe and has a unique number that will help identify your pet. The finder will be able to contact you and let you know where your dog is waiting for you.

However, remember that the chip alone is not enough! Registration in the European Pet Database is also necessary. This registry ensures that identifying your dog is extremely simple, effective, and, as it turns out, really necessary!

Can a Dog Be Left Alone on New Year's Eve?

It's no secret that dogs are social creatures by nature, often suffering from separation anxiety, and prefer to spend time in the company of their owners rather than alone. Ideally, someone close should stay with the dog, especially on New Year's Eve. However, if you are forced to leave him alone, make sure to take several important measures to help the dog maintain at least a bit more comfort during the night.

1. Get your dog used to loud noises from the first weeks of his life!

2. Avoid long walks on New Year's Eve evening!

3. Do not let your dog go onto the balcony, terrace, or garden!

4. Close and cover the windows in the room where the dog is to prevent him from getting stressed by the unusual flashing lights in the sky!

5. Prepare a shelter for him with extra blankets!

6. Remove all dangerous objects that the dog might run into while moving around the house!

7. Consult a veterinarian if your dog's excessive sensitivity to noise may require the support of appropriate medication!

8. Never give your dog calming medications intended for humans!

9. Do not create an atmosphere of anxiety before going to a party or upon returning. Always behave normally, as you would on any other day!