Veterinary advice: how to calm your dog during New Year’s Eve fireworks

New Year's Eve fireworks and firecrackers can be a huge stress for your dog. Your vet will tell you how to help him or her get through the night easier.

The flickering lights and deafening noise of fireworks can upset even the most well-balanced dogs. And that’s not to mention the stress caused by the constant fireworks. So it ‘s vital that as an owner you do all you can to relieve the stress on your dog.

Be with your dog during the fireworks

Veterinarian Dr Andrea Bodó says that the presence of the owner usually has a calming effect on the dog. So the first and most important thing is not to leave your pet on New Year’s Eve and to be there when he needs you. The vet says that before the fireworks, it’s advisable to take the dog for a walk to do his business and then retire him to a quieter area where he’s happy to spend time. It’

s always a good idea to keep light and sound out of the home.

To do this, close the curtains, pull down the blinds. If necessary, turn on the TV or play music that will calm the dog. This is especially true for the room where you’ll be spending the evening.

Playing together can also be a useful way to distract your pet from distracting stimuli.

It is a matter of finding out what works best.

The expert noted that for some dogs, just being with the owner can be enough to relieve tension, while for others, medication may be needed. But the right medicine should not be bought at the last minute, on New Year’s Eve. This is both because a consultation with the vet cannot be avoided and because tranquillisers do not have an immediate effect and may be significantly less effective in a dog that is already stressed.

Think about the risk of absconding

As an owner, it’s also essential to make sure that your pet can’t escape. If you live in a house with a garden, it is recommended that you let your pet into the house (even if it is an outdoor dog) during fireworks. And keep the doors and windows locked. “That said, it’s worth updating your chip records so that if he does run away, he has a chance to get home,” notes Dr Andrea Bodó.

The veterinarian added that if someone finds an escaped dog at this time, they should take it to a veterinary clinic if possible. Or if there is no place available nearby, they should put it in a safe place until they can call for professional help.