How to help dogs cope with New Year's Eve anxiety: 3 tips from a veterinarian
While people are having fun and celebrating on New Year's Eve, many dogs suffer because of the fireworks: they hide and are too afraid to go outside. Many dogs even run away! But we can help our beloved pets get through this stressful night – our veterinarian Carla will tell you how!
Author: Veronika
Proofreader: Carla
While people are having fun and celebrating on New Year's Eve, many dogs suffer from the fireworks: they hide and are afraid to come out. Many dogs even run away! But we can help our beloved pets through this stressful night – our veterinarian Carla will show you how!
1. Training to overcome fear
Many people have had to witness how much fear loud firecrackers can cause in a dog. On New Year's Eve, it is naturally particularly bad, and many dogs truly suffer. It is not uncommon to hear around New Year's Eve that another dog has run away because it was frightened by a firecracker. Through early intervention, we can make New Year's Eve a little more pleasant for our dogs. Sound training can provide a remedy 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 can help your furry friend reduce stress during the noise on New Year's Eve.
2. Calming dogs through vacations
You can try to keep the noise level as low as possible. Here, it can help to retreat toquiet places. A vacation in a nature reserve, in the forest, or on the coast is a good option. Closed shutters also shield some of the noise from fireworks. Try to create the calmest and most pleasant atmosphere possible. In any case, you should not leave your furry friend alone on New Year's Eve. Often, the human is the anchor in the human-dog relationship. A familiar person who does not radiate panic in an exceptional situation always helps your furry friend reduce stress! So-calledThundershirtscan also be an option, as they fit snugly and thus provide a constant hug and a sense of security.
3. Medication for stress
Since pure noise training and a pleasant environment are not always enough, dog owners with particularly sensitive dogs should also consider medicinal support. Attention! Choosing the right medication is crucial here! Unfortunately, drugs 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 is unable to express it. A well-known drug with this effect is acepromazine. In fact, it makes the dog even more sensitive to noise and can even intensify its fear!
Depending on the severity of the anxiety, 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, stronger medication may also be used.
It is important to start giving the supplements early and not just right before or even on New Year's Eve, as some products require 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 a remedy.
Dog missing: What you should do!
Carla recommends that dog owners register their pets with Tasso so that they are easier to find again should they actually run away. A tag on the collar with your phone number on it is also absolutely essential.
Donate instead of setting off fireworks
Every year, vast amounts of money are literally blown into the air. Just for a brief moment of visual spectacle. Yet that money would be much better invested in animal welfare. Especially during the Christmas season, animal shelters, organizations, and the like are grateful for financial support.
So join in – donate instead of buying fireworks!
Every year, vast amounts of money are literally blown into the air. Just for a brief moment of visual spectacle. Yet that money would be much better invested in animal welfare. Especially during the Christmas season, animal shelters, organizations, and the like are grateful for financial support.
So join in – donate instead of buying fireworks!
Ask VEGDOC Carla
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Can a dog get traumatized by New Year's Eve?
Yes, especially sensitive furry friends and anxious dogs can be traumatized by New Year's Eve. However, good training and a safe environment can help prevent this.
Firework-free New Year's Eve with a dog in the Black Forest - is that possible?
In the Black Forest, New Year's Eve is comparatively quiet, especially in the remote regions. A peaceful turn of the year is to be expected, particularly in the nature reserves.
Homeopathy: Do globules have a calming effect on my dog on New Year's Eve?
Globules work primarily due to the placebo effect, but not beyond that. The expectations of the person taking them are of decisive importance here. Since our furry friends cannot have expectations regarding medication, their efficacy is not probable.
