What to do about fear in dogs on New Year's Eve: 3 tips from a vet

While people have fun and celebrate on New Year's Eve, many dogs suffer from the firecrackers: they hide and no longer dare to go out. Many dogs even run away! But we can help our pets through this stressful night - our vet Carla tells you how

Many people have experienced how much fear loud firecrackers can cause in a dog. On New Year's Eve, of course, it is particularly bad and many dogs really suffer. It is not uncommon to hear around New Year's Eve that another dog has escaped because it was frightened by a firecracker. By intervening early , we can make New Year's Eve a little more pleasant for our dogs. Noise training can help here.

The aim of the training is to associate (louder) noises with a positive feeling for your furry friend, for example with a treat such as JERKEYS or a game. In this way, you can help your furry friend to reduce stress during the background noise on New Year's Eve.

You can try to keep the background noise as low as possible. It can help to retreat to quiet places . A holiday in a nature reserve, in the forest or on the coast is a good option here. Closing shutters will also shield you from the bangs. Try to create as quiet and pleasant an atmosphere as possible. In any case, you should not leave your furry friend alone on New Year's Eve. Humans are often the calming influence in the human-dog relationship. A familiar, non-panicky person in an exceptional situation always helps to reduce stress for your furry friend! So-called thundershirts can also be an option, as they fit snugly and thus provide a permanent hug and therefore security.

Since pure noise training and a pleasant environment are not always enough, dog owners with particularly sensitive dogs should also consider medical support . Caution! Choosing the right medication is crucial! Unfortunately, medications are often prescribed that sedate the dog but do not alleviate its anxiety. Such preparations should be avoided, as the dog still feels the same fear but cannot express it. A well-known drug with this effect is Acepromazine. In fact, it makes the dog even more sensitive to noise and its fear is even intensified!

Depending on the severity of the fear, there are various suitable preparations that can be given to the dog. For mild anxiety, herbal remedies can be a good method; for more pronounced anxiety, a stronger medication can also be used.

It is important to start adding the medication early and not just before or even on New Year's Eve, as some preparations need a certain amount of time to take full effect!

It is best to seek veterinary advice.

Of course, medication should not be a permanent solution . In the long term, only professional behavioral therapy can provide relief.

Huge amounts of money are shot into the air every year. Just for a brief moment of beauty. But the money would be much better invested in animal welfare. Especially at Christmas time, animal shelters, organizations etc. are happy to receive financial support.

So join in - with donations instead of firecrackers