How to keep our dogs calm ahead of New Years Eve celebrations

The year 2022 is almost over. That means that soon enough beautiful firework displays will be hitting the skies in celebration. While us humans normally don’t have a problem with such things, New Years Eve can be quite a stressful evening for our dogs.

Much like traditional and classic Fourth of July celebrations, NYE can be very anxiety-inducing for our furry little friends. Tons of loud noises, flashes of lights, and other things that may cause our dogs some stress should definitely be looked after and taken into account for sure.

How can we keep our dogs safe this New Years Eve? Read all about it down below!

In no particular order, here are seven great tips and tricks for upcoming New Years celebrations when dealing with scared pets:

• Make sure your dog has a confined space of their own
  • If they will be staying home while you’re away, sometimes dogs feel much safer in their crates (maybe even covering it with a blanket can help them feel better too); however, for dogs that aren’t crate-trained, putting them in a crate might make them more anxious, so instead, maybe keep them in a nice safe room where stuff can’t get damaged; having their own space might make them feel more in control of the situation
• Leave on the radio or their favorite TV station for them
  • This will help to muffle the scary outside sounds for them, but to also keep them distracted; if they see something that they love to chase or play with on TV then that alone might make them completely and totally forget about what’s going on outside; if choosing to do this, it’s advised that you start such a thing a few hours before the celebrations begin that way they can associate the noise with peace, comfort, and just overall feeling very safe in their homes (especially while you’re away from them)
• Get them all tuckered out during the day – exercise, play sessions, etc.
  • Play with them during the day, take them on several long walks outside, let them run around the house; whatever it takes, getting your dogs enough exercise and movement during the day can help them fall asleep and be calm enough to not be bothered by all of the scary outside noises that come associated with New Years Eve celebrations
• Give them some tasty and fun distractions with lots of toys and treats
  • An idea to associate with this main point here is the following: give them their favorite toys or treats to distract them as this can help them associate the noises with positive things that they normally love and adore any other time of the day/year alike (IB Home Living).

• Speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s anxiety on NYE
  • Speaking with your dog’s primary vet can also help; sometimes your ‘home remedies’ of treats, TV, and exercise might just not be enough; some dogs need to be safely medicated in order to stay calm enough to barely if anything at all be bothered by fireworks on New Years Eve (and 4th of July for that matter too); your vet will know what’s safe and what your dogs can and can’t handle so always consult your most trusted professionals first, before giving them anything to help and calm them down
• Consider going somewhere else with them on NYE
  • If you know that you live in a neighborhood that gets loud during this time, consider taking your loving and loyal pups somewhere else; maybe there’s an area near you that is much more quiet; this is an especially great idea if you don’t have any plans of your own that night – staying with them brings them comfort and much familiarity
• You yourself need to keep calm
  • If you’re having a party, we all know that people, much like myself, get super giddy and excited when they see that you have dogs; limit your dog’s time ‘at the party’ and try your absolute hardest not to over excite them as that can make their anxiety much worse

What tips and tricks have you learned that help the most with your dog’s anxiety? Are they more or less anxious on NYE than on The Fourth? Let’s chat about all of that and so much more down in the comments below! And as always…Woof, Woof!