December is here, and everyone is already busy setting off fireworks. It’s great fun, but for the average dog, it’s absolutely no fun at all. In fact, dogs can be quite frightened of them. It’s also important to remember that a dog’s perception of the world is quite different from that of a human. Their sound perception wavelength is different, and they also perceive scent differently. Everything is much louder and more intensely observed by a dog. Just because you might barely hear it, doesn’t mean your dog will.
That’s why we’ve compiled the most important tips for the fireworks to help dogs get through New Year’s Eve as much as possible.
Don’t let your dog run off-leash outside during fireworks season.
This sounds very logical, but we often see people letting their dogs run off-leash during this time, while nearby children are already setting off firecrackers. You can probably imagine that if the fireworks are set off unexpectedly or too close, your dog could get quite startled! There’s a good chance your dog will run off. So safety comes first. If you want to take a walk with your dog off-leash, definitely go to an area where fireworks aren’t being set off. That being said, we recommend keeping your dog on a leash at all times on New Year’s Eve.
Go with your dog and don’t force them into a dire situation.
The fireworks have gone off. Your dog is startled. What do you do? If your dog wants to leave the situation, go with them. We often see people stand still to calm their dog down, but what happens then is that your dog will feel like they can’t escape a situation that’s causing them a lot of anxiety, and this can actually increase their anxiety. So: just walk away and don’t stand still. The dog is just afraid. So if your dog wants to go home, go with them.
Adjust the evening walk if necessary.
This is for dogs who really don’t like walking in the dark during this time. Dogs often find it scarier in the dark. As humans, we often think we have to stick to a routine of walking. If your dog is afraid of fireworks and doesn’t like walking outside in the evening, we recommend adjusting your walk. This way, you don’t force your dog into a situation they don’t want to be in. You could then choose to let your dog do their business outside and go inside. Then simply do the longer walk during the day, or go to a quiet area during the day where your dog can relax.
Reduce external stimuli
On New Year’s Eve, it’s important to minimize external stimuli as much as possible. As mentioned, dogs hear more than we do, but you can, of course, focus on other sounds, such as the TV or radio. Draw the curtains! Curtains not only block out some of the noise, but they also prevent your dog from seeing unexpected flashes of light.
Safe spot in the house
Of course, every dog appreciates having a safe spot in the house where they can retreat and won’t be disturbed. Zoë, one of our dogs, has her hiding spot under the couch, for example. She uses it regularly. We don’t disturb her at such times. This is her spot, and no one comes here. This is also important to remember. If your dog goes to such a spot, give them space and don’t disturb them. Is your dog sleeping? Let them sleep and don’t disturb them. Don’t make this spot right in front of a window; provide some privacy.
Provide an activity
Give your dog something to do. For example, sniffing makes them mentally tired. Why? Normally, a dog breathes 15 to 30 times per minute at rest. However, sniffing breath is 140 to 200 times per minute. A dog has to work hard to maintain this! Moreover, sniffing breath is separate from normal breathing, so the dog’s heart rate decreases and therefore relaxes. Sniffing is always a good idea. You can offer the food that normally goes in the food bowl on a sniffing mat. Another activity is a Kong filled with a treat or a bone that the dog can enjoy.
Items that can help your dog
Do you notice your dog is quite insecure during fireworks? Then you can buy a Thundershirt for your dog. What is a Thundershirt? It’s a shirt that applies constant, gentle pressure. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with calmness. A similar technique is also used for newborn babies (swaddling). Veterinarians often recommend using a Thundershirt during the fireworks season. Another thing that’s now available: earmuffs. These block out a significant amount of the sound and can really provide relief for your dog if they’re sensitive to the sounds.
Behavioral guidance for intense fireworks anxiety
This is the tip for the fireworks you need after New Year’s Eve. Have you noticed that your dog is extremely scared and that the fear is making you feel very anxious? Is your dog unable to calm down? Is he hiding? Does he want to escape? Do you want help with this anxiety? Then let us know at the beginning of the new year, because behavioral guidance is needed, and you’ll want to start this in time.
