Can a dog be terrified to death on New Year’s Eve?

As New Year's Eve approaches, we can increasingly hear about closing dogs in various places, and we can read about numerous proven techniques on how to divert the attention of a frightened animal.

Many people shrug it off when they hear that someone’s dog is genuinely terrified of fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Because “it can be endured once.” But what if that animal can’t endure it once? What if others’ amusement costs its life?

Before New Year’s Eve, many pet owners seek tried-and-true solutions to calm their pets. But despite loud music, closed blinds, calming wraps, and distraction attempts, there are cases where these measures are not enough. Many dogs still experience fear, prompting owners to consult a veterinarian for recommendations on calming medications.

The fearful dogs

Those who have never had a dog afraid of fireworks cannot fully understand the stress both the animal and the owner go through during such times. Some believe it’s merely the owner projecting their own nervousness onto their pet, or that the dog should be ignored, and it will calm down on its own. This is not the case.

None of my previous dogs were afraid of New Year’s Eve fireworks, even though the neighbors never held back when it came to setting off firecrackers. I had no idea what it was like until Lola, the adopted Yorkshire Terrier with a sad past, joined our family. On her first New Year’s Eve with us, we didn’t even think it would be a problem. But it was. She trembled, sought refuge in the most secluded places in the room, and hardly slept at all throughout the night.

In recent years, as she ages, it has only gotten worse. Apart from the calming medication recommended by the vet, nothing else seems to help. Last year, she fell asleep sitting up in the early morning, so exhausted from constant trembling.

I acknowledge that Lola may not be the bravest and, due to her past, doesn’t have the most stable nervous system, but such dogs do exist. It’s not their fault. Therefore, saying that the owner is just transferring stress onto them and that if you ignore it, the dog will stop, is nonsense. Those who have never had such a dog can’t understand.

Many people have adopted pets with a troubled past, not to mention those dealing with epilepsy. Dogs with epilepsy are at increased risk, as each loud noise can trigger seizures for them. This can even be life-threatening for them.

Unfortunately, there have been several examples of this. Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching stories is Duffy’s, which was shared on the Animal Friend Foundation’s Facebook page in early January last year.

More than sad story of Duffy

Duffy lived under the care of the foundation. He had a sad puppyhood, but he was adopted relatively quickly. Then, as an adult, he found himself back at the shelter, which completely shattered him, making him withdrawn. One day, two individuals came forward, saying that he was the one for them. They loved him immensely, and Duffy had a very good life with them. Last year, however, it was discovered that he had epilepsy, and his owners tried to manage it as best as they could.

Then came New Year’s Eve. The loud music played, they tried to divert his attention, and somehow they made it through the night. But two days later, someone started setting off fireworks again. Duffy had a seizure. He experienced 35 intense seizures. His owners rushed him to the hospital, where, following the advice of the doctors, they had to say goodbye to their beloved pet since there was nothing more they could do to help him.

There may never be a solution to the problem. Despite some fireworks being illegal, many people still use them. What’s legal is even more prevalent. However, it’s incredibly heartbreaking that, even with the utmost caution from owners, their beloved pets’ lives can be at risk.