Year-end holidays with your dog: how to help him cope with fireworks stress

Why fireworks have such a strong impact on dogs

Dogs do not understand fireworks. The sounds come suddenly and seem to come from all directions at once, which can trigger fear and panic.

Typical signs include:

• Trembling or hiding
• Panting and restless pacing
• Barking or whining
• Refusing to go outside

In Belgium, fireworks are often set off locally, sometimes days before and after New Year’s Eve. This makes the situation even more challenging.

Leaving your dog home alone during the holidays

For some dogs, staying at home is the safest option. Their familiar environment can provide comfort, provided you prepare well.

Make sure to provide:

• A quiet, enclosed room
• Closed windows and curtains
• Soft background noise such as calm music
• No access to doors or windows
• A crate as a safe space, if your dog is used to it
• Familiar blankets and toys with a known scent

If your dog is extremely anxious, staying home alone is often not a good solution.

Calming aids: what can help?

There are various tools available to support dogs during stressful moments like New Year’s Eve. These aids do not all work in the same way, and their effect differs from dog to dog.

Calming sprays and plug-in diffusers

These products release synthetic pheromones that can give dogs a sense of security.

Characteristics:

• Available as sprays or plug-in diffusers
• Odourless for humans
• Mainly effective for mild to moderate stress
• Best started several days in advance

They are available without prescription in pet shops and pharmacies.

Supplements and pastes from the veterinarian

For more severe anxiety, a veterinarian may recommend supplements or calming pastes.

Options include:

• Natural supplements based on herbs
• Pastes or tablets with a calming effect
• Temporary medication for severe anxiety

Always use these in consultation with your veterinarian.

Taking your dog to a party: usually not recommended

Bringing your dog to a year-end party is generally not a good idea. Crowds, unfamiliar people and unexpected fireworks increase stress levels.

Only consider this if:

• It is a small, calm gathering
• There is no fireworks in the area
• Your dog has a place to retreat

Escaping fireworks during New Year’s Eve

More and more owners choose to spend New Year’s Eve in a quiet place, away from fireworks and busy residential areas.

Good options include:

• A dog-friendly hotel in a quiet region
• A stay in nature
• Staying with family or friends outside built-up areas

Browse our dog-friendly hotels and find inspiration for a peaceful New Year’s celebration.

Extra tips for a calm year-end period

• Provide plenty of exercise during the day
• Stick to familiar routines
• Stay calm and predictable yourself
• Combine several aids for the best effect

Every dog reacts differently to fireworks. What works for one dog may not work for another.

A safe start to the new year

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fireworks anxiety. Observe your dog closely and respond to his signals. Safety and calm always come first.

We wish you a warm year-end period and a wonderful start to the new year!