There will be plenty of fireworks again at the turn of the year. For our pets, this means pure stress. Here you can find out how to get your dog through New Year’s Eve safely.
Fireworks, rockets, sparklers: for animals, this means pure stress. For many years, animal welfare organizations and associations have been drawing attention to the fact that fireworks are not only harmful to the environment, but also to wild animals and our pets. For dogs and cats in particular, the turn of the year is therefore anything but a cool party – but a burden that is associated with stress, fear and sometimes even panic. It is more chill to just enjoy the online casino in Canada with your dog.
Dogs have a much finer sense of hearing and a better sense of smell than humans. For them, New Year’s Eve with its bright rockets, exploding firecrackers and the extreme smells of fireworks is an absolute sensory overload.
Dogs on New Year’s Eve: last-minute tips against the fear of fireworks
A familiar favorite spot plus a master or mistress nearby is the best way for dogs to get through New Year’s Eve. The following applies to New Year’s Eve: with gentle sounds, good hiding places and a few tips and tricks, you can make the turn of the year bearable for your dog – without having to flee to a lonely mountain hut:
You should be prepared for the fact that setting off fireworks is not limited to a few hours around the turn of the year. The fireworks usually start one or two days before New Year’s Eve and continue to be set off even after the start of the new year.
It’s better not to let your dog off the lead on the days around New Year’s Eve. “Many an otherwise well-behaved dog has panicked and run away on New Year’s Eve because of a sudden bang – that’s why it makes sense to keep your dog on a lead around New Year’s Eve”, explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt from the State Animal Welfare Association of Hesse.
It is important that your dog wears a tag with your contact details. That way, if it runs away, it can be brought home again quickly.
Close the shutters and curtains to protect your pet from bright light and noise.
Play music or the radio in your home to calm and distract your pet from the noise outside. The familiar sound of the dishwasher or washing machine can also be helpful. Avoid too much noise, however, as this will cause additional stress for your dog.
Don’t leave your dog alone on New Year’s Eve and don’t go outside with him during the fireworks.
It is best to walk your dog during the day, preferably in a quiet forest. The more tired he is on New Year’s Eve, the better!
If your dog wants to be close to you, stroke him and stay by his side.
Give your dog the opportunity to find a safe place to retreat to. Animals that are used to a crate often like to lie down in this safe cave. If your dog hides under the bed or sofa, don’t leave him there alone.
When walking your dog on the days after New Year’s Eve, look out for broken glass, garbage and any unexploded bombs.
Of course, it is very important not to set off any firecrackers, rockets etc. yourself.
The most important tip is to stay relaxed yourself and signal to your dog that everything is fine. Dogs are strongly influenced by the mood of their humans: If you are restless or anxious yourself, this is quickly transferred to your four-legged friend. “If the owners are nearby and unconcerned, it is easier for the animals to deal with the unfamiliar, possibly curse-inducing background noise with less stress,” explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt. “You shouldn’t feel sorry for the dog,” advises dog trainer Chris Maron. “Because that would show him that the situation is unusual and that you yourself are worried.”
Important: You should not lure a dog that is hiding out of its hiding place. Don’t ignore dogs that are looking for attention, but give them a cuddle if they want one.
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