If your dog is afraid of the sound of firecrackers and rockets, you can either take a short vacation in a region where fireworks are banned, or you can prepare for New Year's Eve in good time. Our tips will help you to start the New Year as stress-free as possible with your dog.
Are all dogs afraid of New Year's Eve?
Dogs react very differently to the sound of rockets and loud firecrackers. Professional hunting dogs, for example, are completely unaffected by this, after all, gunshot resistance is part of their training. But many other dogs don't seem to mind either. For some, however, the time around New Year's Eve is the worst of the year. They flinch at every bang or hide in the furthest corner.
If you haven't yet spent New Year's Eve with your dog, you naturally wonder how they will react. It' s difficult to predict. The conditions for a stress-free New Year's Eve are good if the dog is already used to loud noises, has not had any bad experiences as a young dog and is generally not anxious. However, if he quickly flinches at loud noises, then New Year's Eve should be prepared. It is important to show understanding for the dog's situation because, unlike a slamming door, he cannot identify the sound of a firecracker.
Can I leave my dog alone on New Year's Eve?
Anyone who has taken in a puppy, young dog or adult dog does not yet know how the dog will react to New Year's Eve noises. Perhaps the dog will take everything relatively easily, or perhaps it will be frightened. It is therefore advisable to spend the first New Year's Eve together with your dog. If the first New Year's Eve is free of fear and without any problems, the dog could stay at home alone the next New Year's Eve with a few preparations. However, this must always be decided on an individual basis.
Where can you celebrate New Year's Eve with a dog without fireworks?
If you have an anxious dog and want to spend New Year's Eve without firecrackers, you can plan a short trip to a firecracker-free area, of which there are more and more. This is common, for example, in regions on the North Sea and Baltic Sea with many thatched-roof houses. The risk of fire is too high here. Some islands are also firecracker-free, including Amrum, Hallig Oland and, for the most part, Sylt. National parks such as the Bavarian Forest, the Harz Mountains, the Müritz or the Lüneburg Heath also offer great opportunities. They all offer beautiful scenery, ideal for fantastic walks.
What helps dogs on New Year's Eve?
It's best to take a few precautions so that your dog can spend New Year's Eve as stress-free as possible:
- Close all windows and darken the room - using blinds if available.
- Create a retreat for your dog. However, give your dog the freedom to decide for himself where he wants to be.
- Turn on calm, pleasant music. Studies have shown that classical music has a demonstrably relaxing effect.
- Play extensively with your dog and provide variety, for example with sniffing games and tasty snacks.
What should I bear in mind when walking my dog?
From the first day of sale for rockets (usually December 28) up to and including January 1, you should always expect to hear the sound of firecrackers. Some dogs may be frightened and run away. It is therefore advisable to keep dogs on a lead at all times during this period.
How can I calm my dog down?
For some dogs, the noises of New Year's Eve are so unbearable that even quiet zones and distraction are not enough. If you know that your dog reacts in this way, a visit to the vet is recommended. They can prescribe a suitable sedative for your dog. We must warn against self-medication.