For lots of people, New Year's Eve is a party; for lots of dogs, it's one of the worst nights of the year. Bangs, whistles and flashes come out of nowhere, and their hearing, far sharper than ours, makes everything feel more intense. Looking after a dog on New Year's Eve starts well before the 31st: what you do over the next few weeks matters more than anything you improvise on the night. Here's how to prepare your dog, what to do on 31 December and which mistakes to avoid.
Why fireworks frighten dogs so much
To your dog, a firework is a loud, unpredictable bang: they don't know where it's coming from and can't get away from it. The most common signs of fear are trembling, panting, hiding, a tail tucked between the legs, pacing non-stop or barking. Some dogs stop eating or refuse to go outside. If yours already reacts like this to thunderstorms or the odd stray banger, it's worth starting to prepare now.
Getting your dog used to noise: start now
Sound training takes time, usually several weeks. That's why November is the best time to start. Here's how:
- Find recordings of bangers and fireworks, for example in videos or in audio tracks designed for dogs.
- Start very quietly: play the sound so softly that your dog notices it but stays calm.
- Pair it with something good: while the sound is playing, there are treats, food or games. When the sound stops, the treats stop too.
- Turn it up gradually: raise the volume in small steps over several days. Short sessions of a few minutes are enough.
- If your dog gets unsettled, take a step back: lower the volume and stay at the previous level.
The training should never overwhelm your dog. If yours is already very frightened, ask a dog trainer or your vet practice for help. For more on noise fear, see our guide dog scared of fireworks.
Set up a safe den at home
Many dogs look for a den when there's noise. Set that corner up now so it feels familiar by New Year's Eve:
- ideally in a quiet room with few or no windows facing the street;
- a crate, a bed under the table or a space behind the sofa, covered with a blanket;
- with their favourite blanket, something to chew and an item of clothing that smells of you.
Reward your dog every time they lie down there over the coming weeks. If they pick somewhere else on the night, such as the bathroom or under the bed, let them stay there.
Dogs on New Year's Eve: what to do on 31 December
- A long walk in the morning. A good walk and some calm activity will mean your dog is more tired by the evening.
- The last walk before dark. Go out in the late afternoon, before most of the fireworks start, and then stay in together.
- Always on a lead. One bang is all it takes for even the most obedient dog to bolt. A well-fitted harness they can't wriggle out of gives extra security. Don't leave them alone in the garden or on the terrace either.
- Cover the windows. Lower the blinds, draw the curtains, leave a light on inside and put the TV or some calm music on to muffle the flashes and the noise.
- Give them something to keep busy with. Licking and chewing keep many dogs occupied. You can spread wet food or a dog-friendly paste in a bowl with raised ridges, like our slow feeder bowl for dogs and cats; don't leave your dog unsupervised while they use it.
- Stay with them. Don't leave your dog alone that night, and don't take them out to watch the fireworks.
Comfort them or ignore them?
For years, people said you should ignore a frightened dog so as not to reinforce the fear. Today many experts see it differently: if your dog seeks you out, you can stroke them and stay by their side. What matters is that you stay calm. Talk to them in a soothing voice and avoid sudden movements: your dog watches how you react.
Just in case: keep the microchip up to date
Lots of dogs go missing at this time of year. Check now that your dog is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the pet database they're registered with. An ID tag on the collar with your phone number helps even more.
Common mistakes
- Thinking about it on the 31st itself: the training and the den need weeks.
- Leaving them in the garden or on the balcony "so they get used to it".
- Telling them off for barking or trembling: it only makes the fear worse.
- Giving them sedatives on your own initiative, for example from your home medicine cabinet. It can be dangerous.
- Going out without a lead on New Year's Day: there are often still fireworks going off, and leftover debris on the street that your dog mustn't eat.
When to talk to your vet
If your dog goes through intense fear every year, trembles for hours, stops eating or hurts themselves trying to escape, talk to your vet in good time. Together you can work out what support suits them. Some measures need to start well before New Year's Eve, so it's worth booking an appointment now.