Not all dogs fear fireworks, but the majority of them feels at least uneasy and some are really severely panicking; it’s as simple as that. Their hearts begin to pound against their chests, their bodies jump out in shock and terror, and if they’re outside - they run away. 

 

It’s the equivalent of having someone threaten you with force. 

 

Think about how you would feel. If someone had you against the ropes, vulnerable and unable to defend yourself. That’s how your four-legged best friend feels. 

 

So, as the New Year’s Eve countdown begins and the excitement for the parties erupts, let’s take a second to think about how to manage the anxiety for our dogs. In this post, we’ll delve into why dogs feel anxious during these events and provide helpful solutions to help them this New Year's Eve.

 

Let’s help to save a life.  

Understanding Canine Anxiety During Fireworks:

 

As you probably already know, dogs have a much better sense of hearing than we humans do. Our dog's recall can be so good for some of us. But with that added sense of hearing, the loud, explosive fireworks are heightened. 

 

With that added sense of hearing, the unpredictability of explosive sound and the constant bright light flashes can trigger stress in our dogs. It’s as if all of their senses are simultaneously becoming overwhelmed - similar to a panic attack for humans when our senses become out-of-whack. 

 

Recognising and understanding these causes of your dog's anxiety could be the key to helping them. Addressing these will help to alleviate your dog’s stress, horror and fear during the New Year. 

 

Creating a Comfortable Environment:

 

As dachshund pawrents, we understand our dogs incredibly well. We know when they feel comfortable when they’re anxious, especially when they’re not feeling themselves. It takes a piece of our heart, but we do our best to make them comfortable. We play with them, comfy their beds, and ensure they’re fed. 

 

As a result, our dachshunds feel at home. They know they’re safe and that you’re going to protect them. 

 

How can we replicate this at the start of the year?

 

First, we need our dogs to have a safe and comfortable space that they know is a place of safety. Maybe it’s a quiet room away from the typical commotion, away from the kids and preferably has quite good noise reduction. 

 

Using this room and dressing it with familiar items such as your dog's bed, toys and many blankets, you’re helping your dog feel a sense of safety, security and protection. If you want to go the extra mile, consider closing the curtains to help with the overwhelming, flickering lights that can confuse your dog. 

 

Introduce Desensitization Techniques:

 

When we talk about desensitisation, we tend to define it as exposing your dog to something in little incremental amounts over time so that by the time NYE comes around - they’re not too bothered. 

 

One way you can do this is by playing fireworks videos on YouTube on your TV. It can be a helpful process that gently leans your dog into the evening.

 

• Start with love volume
• Gently increase throughout the weeks
• Reward with treats and praise when settled

 

By treating your dog during moments of calm, they connect this idea of calm during loud noises with receiving a treat or praise. So, by the time the big night arrives - they should be able to feel comfortable as they replace this idea of fear with reward and happiness. 

Invest in Calming Products:

There are many dog-safe medicines out there that can help your dog stay calm during stressful events. If you take your dog to the vet and explain the circumstances, they may offer some calming supplements. 

 

Other products you could use:

• Thunder vests
• Calming blankets
• Pheromone Diffusers
• Bachblüten SOS rescue drops
• CBD drops and oils

 

You can seriously mitigate your dog's reaction by using a collection of these. The pheromones, coupled with calming vests and a safe place for them to go and relax, help ease the stress of the night.  

 

In addition, you could explore options such as calming dog treats, CBD oils, and rescue drops explicitly designed for animals. If you do, consult your vet to ensure it’s safe for your dog.  

 

Professional Guidance and Training:

 

After seeing no improvement year after year, consider a dog trainer or behaviourist. As experts, they can train your puppy with a personalised plan to address their specific needs and fears. They will incorporate techniques and training exercises that you can continue at home to help reduce their fears and anxieties about fireworks and loud noises. 

 

Additional Solutions:

 

Whilst there are a range of strategies that you can utilise to help your furry friend, there are additional solutions if they fail to work:

 

1. If you’ve got a basement, consider heading there for a more secluded and quiet place before the NYE fireworks start
2. Stay with your dog to offer comfort
3. Thunder Vests - provides gentle and constant pressure - a bit like a hug. 

 

 

You can significantly reduce your dog's anxiety and ensure you and your furry friend welcome the New Year calmly and securely. 

And even if that means you won’t be celebrating into the new year with your friends - you will be with a loved one who needs you very much in that moment and who is also there for you every day of the year.