Dogs on New Year's Eve: Tips to overcome the fear of fireworks
The dazzling fireworks at midnight are the highlight of New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, most dogs see it differently: they whine, pace restlessly, and tremble, or hide in a panic in the furthest corner. Read on to learn how to properly handle your dog on New Year's Eve, what can help, and how to prepare them for the noise.
Why do some dogs get scared on New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve can be a real challenge for some dog owners. The loud rockets, colorful firecrackers, and exploding bangers can quickly unsettle even the calmest dogs.
But why do so many dogs become frightened on New Year's Eve?
To understand these reactions, it helps to take a brief look at a dog's senses: dogs are not only more sensitive to light than humans, but they also hear and smell much more intensely than we do. This sensory overload ultimately triggers panic in many dogs.
sensitive hearing
For comparison: Humans can hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hertz, while dogs can hear between 15 and 50,000 Hertz. Dogs can therefore perceive high-pitched sounds that escape us. Fireworks aren't louder for our four-legged friends, but they perceive a much wider range of sounds.
Furthermore, a dog never completely shuts off its hearing. Even when it is fast asleep, the slightest noise can jolt it awake, and it is instantly wide awake.
For a dog on New Year's Eve, two things come into play.
- He perceives the banging noises as a potential danger.
- The combination of the volume and frequency of the noise – just think of a rocket launching – means that dogs experience these sounds more intensely than humans.
New Year's Eve with a dog: How can I tell if my dog is scared?
While some dogs simply withdraw or cuddle up to their owners for protection, others panic. Typical signs of fear in dogs are:
- heavy panting
- folded ears
- dilated pupils, wide-open eyes
- Unrest
- Loss of appetite
- Tremble
- crouched posture
- Trapped tail
- Elongated mouth
If your dog shows these symptoms on New Year's Eve, you should definitely intervene and be there for him. But how do you calm such an agitated dog? After all, you can't just switch off the fireworks outside with the push of a button.
Immediate action: How do I calm my dog during fireworks?
Does your dog react with fear and nervousness as soon as the first fireworks are lit? Then you should try the following tips and advice to alleviate your pet's fear and minimize risks for him.
Dogs must always be kept on a leash on New Year's Eve.
Even on New Year's Eve, dogs need their exercise. To make walks as stress-free as possible, it's best to go during the day and in quiet places.
For example, take your dog to the forest and avoid the city, where the fireworks usually start hours or even days before New Year's Eve. Even after New Year's Eve, keep an eye out for litter, broken glass, and unexploded fireworks.
Protect your four-legged friend.
Furthermore, you should always keep your dog on a leash on these days. Leave it alone. After all, you could be surprised by the loud bang of a New Year's Eve rocket anywhere.
You should not underestimate the risk that your dog will run away in fright, not find its way back, or even run onto a busy road.
Is it okay to give my dog calming medication on New Year's Eve?
No dog should suffer from fear or even panic. The downward spiral can even lead to a situation where, on top of the fear of fireworks, the fear of fear itself develops. The panic attacks can therefore worsen every year.
For a dog with mild New Year's Eve anxiety, the measures mentioned above are often sufficient. Additionally, you can use a dog food supplement. Use declared preparations.
These preparations have a naturally calming and relaxing effect. Zylkene, for example, contains an active ingredient derived from milk that promotes well-being in newborns. However, a significantly higher dose is necessary for treating New Year's Eve anxiety than for standard therapy.
Other preparations work by harnessing the relaxing effects of valerian and green tea. They also contain tryptophan, a precursor to the happiness hormone serotonin.
Pheromones against fear
Scent diffusers for the socket, sprays, or collars that spread an artificial pheromone are another way to ensure relaxation on New Year's Eve.
The pheromone is modeled after a messenger substance released by the mother dog to relax her puppies. Tablets containing this pheromone are also available for short-term use.
Remedies for dogs with extreme anxiety
These remedies are not sufficient for a dog suffering from extreme anxiety and panic. In this case, arrange for possible medication support well in advance. Some medications need to be introduced gradually several days before New Year's Eve to achieve their full effect.
Never, under any circumstances, give your dog acepromazine. This neuroleptic and sedative may appear to work well from the outside, as the dog seems calm.
However, this leads to him being paralyzed and, at the same time, much more sensitive to noise. The dog remains terrified of noises and can no longer defend himself. The panic will increase with each passing year.
Finding the right remedy with the help of the veterinarian
However, there are indeed effective anti-anxiety medications that can help your pet get through New Year's Eve without panic. For example, dexmedetomidine in gel form or the antiepileptic drug imepitoin are approved for the treatment of noise phobia.
Your veterinarian will help you find the right medication and dosage for your anxious dog. For severe behavioral problems, please consult a veterinarian specializing in behavioral therapy.
Can fireworks phobia be treated?
Anxiety in dogs is treatable. Dogs that react fearfully to fireworks on New Year's Eve are usually also alert to other noises, such as thunderstorms.
Therefore, ask yourself why these noises unsettle him so much. Therapy under the guidance of an expert can then help to get to the bottom of the causes in order to address them effectively.
New Year's Eve desensitization: How do I get my dog used to fireworks?
Another form of therapy can be desensitization using a sound CD or corresponding audio files from the internet. The dog initially played the firework sounds repeatedly at a low volume. If the dog remains calm, the volume is gradually increased.
Reinforce your dog's relaxed behavior. If he becomes nervous or anxious, take a step back. In this way, you can gradually desensitize the dog to the noise of the fireworks.
However, such a method takes time and should be started many weeks before the big fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
Further measures against noise phobia
And what about next New Year's Eve? After New Year's Eve is before New Year's Eve.
Despite ways to help dogs get through New Year's Eve calmly, many dog owners are anxiously anticipating the next one. Even if you can calm your dog somewhat, he will rarely enjoy the turn of the year.
Most dogs dislike loud rockets, hectic people, and a tense atmosphere in the house.
Preparing for the next New Year's Eve with a dog
If your dog showed signs of fear or even panic this New Year's Eve, please consult a canine behaviorist as soon as possible. Together, you can calmly work on the problem throughout the year and discuss possible medication for next New Year's Eve.
A nice alternative is a holiday with your dog. On New Year's Eve, without fireworks. For example, in a place where setting off fireworks is prohibited for nature conservation reasons. After all, the peace and quiet at the turn of the year can sometimes be quite beneficial for us humans, too.