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

While people have fun and celebrate on New Year's Eve, many dogs suffer from the fireworks: They hide and don't dare to go out. Many dogs even run away! But we can help our darlings through this stressful night - our vet Carla tells you how!

Many people have experienced how much fear loud firecrackers can cause in dogs. On New Year's Eve, it is of course particularly bad and many dogs really suffer. It is not uncommon to hear around New Year's Eve that a dog has run away 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 training aims to associate (increasingly loud) noises with a positive feeling for your furry friend, for example through a treat like the JERKEYS or through a game. This way you can help your furry friend to reduce the stress caused by the noise on New Year's Eve.

You can try to keep the noise level as low as possible. It can help to retreat to quiet places . A vacation in a nature reserve, in the forest or on the coast is a good idea. Closed shutters also shield the firecrackers somewhat. 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. People are often the calm center in the human-dog relationship. A familiar person who does not radiate panic in an exceptional situation always helps your furry friend to reduce stress! So-called Thundershirts can also be an option, as they fit tightly and thus provide a permanent hug and thus security.

Since pure noise training and a pleasant environment are not always enough, dog owners with particularly sensitive dogs should also consider medication . Be careful! The choice of the right medication is crucial here! Unfortunately, medications are often prescribed that calm the dog but do not relieve its fear. Such preparations should be avoided because the dog still feels the same fear but cannot express it. A well -known medication with this effect is acepromazine . In fact, it makes the dog even more sensitive to noise and its fear is even increased!

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

It is important that you start adding the supplement early and not just before or even on New Year's Eve, because some preparations need a certain amount of time to develop their 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.

Every year, huge amounts of money are thrown into the air. Just for a brief moment of beautiful scenery. But the money would be much better invested in animal welfare. Animal shelters, organizations, etc. are particularly happy to receive financial support at Christmas time.

So join in – donate instead of setting off fireworks!