New Year's Eve is just around the corner – for many a joyful end to the year, but for our dogs often one of the most stressful nights of the year. Loud bangs, bright flashes of light, smoke, excited people: all of this can trigger fear or exacerbate existing insecurities.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help your dog – from early training and relaxed outings to natural remedies. Here you'll find everything you need to know to start the new year calmly and safely together.
Why New Year's Eve is so stressful for dogs
Dogs have about four times better hearing than we do. What sounds loud to us can be deafening to them.
In addition:
- Unpredictable banging noises
- Vibrations and pressure waves
- flash
- Changed mood of the people
- The smell of smoke and fireworks
Even dogs that are usually calm and collected often react nervously on New Year's Eve. Therefore, it's worth making a plan early.
Prepare early: Training & everyday tips
Desensitization training – the earlier, the better
With some time and patience, you can prepare your dog for noises like fireworks. This is called desensitization .
Here's how it works:
- Insert a sound effects CD or YouTube playlist with firework sounds at a very low volume.
- Increase the volume only minimally and over several weeks.
- Combine the sounds with positive things: playing, food, training.
- Stay relaxed – your dog will respond to your mood.
The goal: The noises lose their frightening effect.
Important: It's best to start weeks before New Year's Eve.
Establish calm routines
Dogs feel especially safe on New Year's Eve if the day proceeds as normally as possible:
- long walks before 4 p.m., before fireworks are set off
- Maintain familiar rituals
- Do not change feeding times
- Avoid stress (no large gatherings, no excitement)
A stable routine creates security.
Avoid instead of enduring: Simply “avoid” New Year's Eve
If your dog is particularly sensitive, it can be a huge relief to simply not spend New Year's Eve at home . Many dog owners deliberately travel to rural, remote areas for New Year's Eve. The more remote the location, the fewer fireworks. Some hosts even explicitly advertise as "firework-free" .
Holidays in areas with an official fireworks ban
There are various places where fireworks are prohibited or severely restricted, for example:
- car-free islands
- National Parks
- certain North Sea islands
- Health resorts or spas
- Protected areas and bird sanctuaries
There, on New Year's Eve, a heavenly peace often prevails.
Airports and airport hotels – a hidden gem
Many dog owners swear by hotels at the airport:
- Airports are fireworks-free zones.
- The sound insulation is extremely good.
- The surrounding area is extensively controlled.
Your dog usually won't notice the fireworks at all.
Natural support
Many dogs benefit from gentle, natural support around New Year's Eve. Calming tablets or Bach flower remedies can help your dog have a relaxed New Year's Eve.
Ideally, the natural remedies should be given a few days before New Year's Eve so that the body can prepare for them.
This will make New Year's Eve more relaxed
Safe retreat
Create a place for your dog where he feels safe:
- a box (if he knows and loves it)
- a corner with a blanket or pillow
- darken
- Turn on music, white noise, or the TV.
- Close the window
- Blinds or curtains
Sounds seem more muffled – and the atmosphere feels safe.
Stay with your dog – closeness helps.
Many dogs want one thing above all else on New Year's Eve: YOU.
- Offer physical contact
- calm voice
- shared activity (sniffing, simple tricks)
- Don't "ignore" your dog when it seeks help (an outdated training myth). Provide your dog with security while remaining calm and confident yourself.
Treats, chew toys & activities
Chewing relaxes the nervous system – a great help on New Year's Eve.
Suitable are:
- Chewing roots/chewing sticks
- Fillable Kongs
- lick mats
- Intelligence toys
Distraction + relaxation = Win-Win.
Safety check for the walks
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, even those that normally run free.
- Use safety harnesses if necessary.
- Address & phone number on the collar
- On December 31st, walks are only permitted during the day .
- Don't go out in the evenings unless absolutely necessary.
Many dogs run away every year on New Year's Eve – so be careful.
Medical support: When it makes sense
Some dogs are so frightened that a visit to the vet is necessary.
Modern medications calm the dog without rendering it incapacitated.
Stay away from acepromazine (old active ingredient):
It paralyzes the body, but not the fear – a real trauma risk.
Talk to your veterinarian about alternatives in good time.
Conclusion: With good preparation, New Year's Eve will be much more relaxed for your dog.
New Year's Eve doesn't have to be a nightmare for dogs – with:
- early training
- relaxed daily routine
- quiet retreats
- a short trip to a fireworks-free area
- natural remedies
- and your proximity
Even a sensitive dog can get through the night safely and more peacefully.
