Fireworks and firecrackers on New Year’s Eve are not only a huge nuisance for wild animals, but also for pets. Dogs in particular are massively stressed by the loud noises and flashes of light. But vet Ira Öhlknecht knows that there are ways and means of ensuring that four-legged friends have a good start to the New Year.
Why is New Year’s Eve such a stress factor for pets?
The fact that dogs and cats find fireworks anything but pleasant is largely due to the fact that both animal species hear much better than humans. Dogs can perceive sound waves up to a frequency of around 65,000 Hz, cats up to around 100,000 Hz. Humans with particularly good hearing, on the other hand, only manage a frequency range of around 20,000 Hz.
What’s more, the odor produced when firing rockets and the like, which is sometimes also perceived as unpleasant by humans, irritates the much finer noses of the four-legged friends even more.
How can I calm dogs and cats on New Year’s Eve?
To ensure that dogs, cats and other pets – even if they have not reacted to the firecrackers with restlessness, fear or panic – have a good start to the New Year, you should create a calming environment. “The animals should feel comfortable,” advises the vet. Not only the calming presence of the pet owner, but also closed blinds, shutters and curtains contribute to this. “Loud music, especially with bass, can also be helpful,” says Öhlknecht.
What should I do if my dog is afraid of fireworks?
The most important rule in this case is not to leave your furry friend alone on this day. During the day, a long walk in the countryside – far away from built-up areas to avoid firecrackers and the like – can provide relaxation. Ideally, the last walk or garden round should take place in daylight or in the early evening to avoid confrontation with the firecrackers or at least keep it to a minimum. “If your dog is frightened, you should keep him on a lead around New Year’s Eve as a precaution”, says Öhlknecht.
If you know that the dog will only think about escaping in its panic, she advises using a special panic harness. “Or you can double secure the dog with a collar and chest harness,” says the vet. A GPS tracker is not a bad thing either: if the dog gets out, the panicked four-legged friend can be caught again more easily.
Also offer dogs and cats in the house places to retreat to – some dogs prefer to hide in the cellar during the firecrackers, others retreat to the toilet, while cats like to seek refuge under the sofa. The vet has another tip: “It used to be said that you shouldn’t pay attention to fear. That has changed: If the dog seeks your closeness, allow it. Stroke him, talk to him in a calming way.” If you know that your four-legged friend is panicking, you should also ask your neighbors to refrain from setting off fireworks or at least not in the immediate vicinity.
Can dogs get used to the noise?
“Basically, yes. But you should start long before New Year’s Eve,” says the vet. Visits to shooting ranges as well as CDs with firework noises or clips of fireworks can be helpful. The volume should only be increased gradually – and only when the four-legged friend remains calm at the respective volume. “So that the four-legged friend associates the unpleasant noise positively, he should always be rewarded with a special treat when he remains calm,” she explains.
What remedies help dogs and cats with New Year’s Eve anxiety?
As a first step, pet owners should use homeopathic remedies, such as valerian, lemon balm, hops and/or passionflower, or B vitamins. Preparations with milk protein, which is similar to breast milk, would also have a good effect.
Another alternative is pheromones, which are available in collar form, for example. “Here, too, you should start administering them as early as possible,” says Öhlknecht. The same applies to calming shirts for dogs and cats: They are designed to exert even pressure on the nervous system due to the tight fit on the body, which has a calming effect.
Should I give my pet tranquilizers on New Year’s Eve?
If fear and panic are more pronounced, the use of medication is also conceivable. Coordination with the attending vet is a basic prerequisite for this. And not just because of the dosage. “The medication often has to be administered gradually a few days before New Year’s Eve and then gradually afterwards,” says Öhlknecht.
Are there any other ways to avoid New Year’s Eve anxiety?
If the panic is extreme, there may be no other option than to flee: Incidentally, in addition to isolated farms or mountain huts, airport hotels, such as at Vienna Airport, are increasingly being chosen as a destination. This is because, for reasons of flight safety, neither firecrackers nor fireworks may be set off there – nor in the surrounding area.
Our expert
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