Stress Relief for Dogs : My 7 Tips to help keep your dog relaxed over New Years Eve
30th December 2023
With Christmas behind us, it is now the time where we start to look ahead to 2024 and for some, planning celebrations for New Years Eve.
New Years Eve is traditionally a night full of parties and festivities often with music and fireworks, however many dog owners find this time very difficult due to their dogs anxieties.
As and ABTC dog trainer and owner of an anxious dog myself, I understand all too well how scary the whizz’s and bang can be. I therefore wanted to share my top tips with you on stress relief for dogs and how you can keep your dog calm over this period.
How will you know if your dog is stressed?
Your dog will give clear signals through their body language of how they are feeling. Some common stress and anxiety indicators include:
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Vocalisation (howling, barking, whining)
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Panting
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Pacing
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Shaking
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Drooling
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Lip Licking
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Yawning
Tip 1 - If you are going to walk your dog, do so during daylight hours
It is important to avoid walking your dog during times when fireworks are likely to go off, so get them out nice and early. A good walk could also mean your dog is more tired at night with less pent-up energy.
Tip 2 - Comfort your dog - you can’t reinforce fear!
It is important to avoid walking your dog during times when fireworks are likely to go off, so get them out nice and early. A good walk could also mean your dog is more tired at night with less pent-up energy.
Tip 3 - Create a safe space for your dog
You may see that your dog tries to hide under a table, chair or other furniture. Where possible, provide a safe space where your dog can take themselves if they need to.
If your dog is crate trained, keep the crate open for free access, but place a large blanket over the top to help create a cosy den.
Close all curtains and shutters to block out any lights and flashes from fireworks.
Tip 4 - Block out the sound
You can attempt to muffle the sound of the fireworks to help your dog to relax. Although it is not possible to block the sound completely, you can certainly reduce it. Closing all your windows, curtains and shutters are the 1st thing to tackle. Try playing relaxing music or turning up the volume of your TV to provide a more consistent level of noise.
Some dogs react well to white noise, which is available online or through some available apps.
Tip 5 - Try an anxiety wrap such as a “Thundershirt”
An anxiety wrap is a vest-like garment which is designed to calm anxious dogs. The idea of an anxiety wrap is that it applies pressure to the dog’s torso, causing a calming effect. This is similar to swaddling a child or hugging someone in distress.
Tip 6 - Try to distract your dog with play or food
Although this doesn’t work with my own dog Logan, you could try distracting you dog with their favourite toys or using an activity toy (food toy).
Tip 7 - Engage with your neighbours
If you do have an anxious dog, you can try putting a note through your neighbours doors to let them know. Most will be unaware of the impact that fireworks are having on you and your dog. It may not stop the celebration, but they may make you aware of their plans, allowing you to prepare beforehand.
If your dog is showing any of these behaviours when you leave the house it may be the case that your dog suffers from separation anxiety. Please get in touch if you would like to chat through your concerns and see whether training could benefit your dog.
I hope you have found these stress relief for dogs tips useful.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Witten by Katie Brill (CSAT, PACT-KSA, ABTC-ATI)
Certified separation anxiety Specialist
