New Year鈥檚 Eve is a time for celebration, but for many dogs, the loud noises, fireworks, and bustling environment can cause anxiety and stress. While you may be excited about ringing in the new year, it鈥檚 important to recognize that your dog may experience fear and discomfort due to the loud sounds and unfamiliar sights of the celebration.

What your dog may be experiencing

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, which means the loud bangs and pops of fireworks can be overwhelming. The sudden, unpredictable noises may trigger fear or anxiety, causing your dog to become startled or panicked. This may manifest in behaviours like:

路 Pacing or restlessness

路 Whining or barking excessively

路 Shake offs, yawning and lip smacking

路 Hiding in corners or under furniture

路 Attempts to escape or flee the area

These behaviours are a natural response to fear and anxiety, and it鈥檚 important to respond with calm and proactive strategies to help soothe your dog.

Tips for managing an anxious dog during fireworks

1. Create a safe space - Designate a quiet room in your house where your dog can retreat if they feel scared. Ideally, this should be a space away from windows, where they can鈥檛 see the fireworks. Provide their bed, toys and familiar items to help them feel at ease.

2. Soundproof the environment - While you can鈥檛 control the noise from fireworks outside, you can help mitigate it inside. Close the curtains to help block sound and visual stimulation. You may also want to use calming music, or even a fan to mask the external sounds. Some dogs respond well to calming music specifically designed for pets.

3. Use a Thunder Jacket or Thunder Cap - A Thunder Jacket (also known as a Thundershirt) or a Thunder Cap is a proven tool for managing anxiety in dogs. These garments apply gentle, constant pressure to your dog鈥檚 body, which can have a calming effect. The pressure helps to soothe nerves and promote relaxation during stressful events like fireworks.

4. Avoid punishing anxiety-related behaviour - If your dog is shaking, whining, or hiding, it鈥檚 important not to scold or punish them. These behaviours are signs of fear, and punishment will only increase their stress. You can use positive reinforcement by rewarding calm behaviour with treats or praise, helping them associate the presence of loud noises with something positive.

5. Stay calm and present - Dogs can pick up on their guardian鈥檚 emotions, so it鈥檚 important to remain calm and composed during noisy celebrations. If you are anxious or stressed about your dog鈥檚 reaction, your dog may become even more unsettled. Offer comfort with a gentle voice, petting, or simply sitting near them.

6. Consider desensitization - If you know your dog tends to react fearfully to fireworks, start desensitizing them to the sounds in advance. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume, gradually increasing the volume over time while offering treats and positive reinforcement. This process can help reduce anxiety when the real fireworks come around.

Final thoughts

While the New Year鈥檚 celebrations are meant to be fun, it鈥檚 essential to keep your dog鈥檚 well-being in mind. Recognizing the signs of anxiety and taking steps to create a calm, safe environment will make a significant difference in how your dog experiences the holiday. Whether it鈥檚 through the use of a Thunder Jacket, a quiet space, or offering reassurance, you can help your dog weather the fireworks with less stress and more comfort.

Joe Griffith has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and has logged more than 1,000 hours working with reactive and aggressive animals.