For many dogs, Christmas and New Year aren’t festive at all. They’re loud, unpredictable, and overwhelming.
Fireworks, guests, food everywhere, doors opening constantly - all of this can push dogs into stress or panic. Veterinary behaviour studies show that fear of loud noises, especially fireworks, is extremely common in dogs and often gets worse if it’s not managed properly (Riemer, 2019).
The good news?
There are simple things you can do to make the holidays safer and calmer for your dog, without forcing them, overcorrecting behaviour, or relying on “magic fixes”.
Why Holidays Can Be Stressful for Dogs
1. Fireworks and sudden loud noises
Dogs don’t understand where bangs come from or when they’ll stop. Fireworks are unpredictable, loud, and often start days before New Year’s Eve.
Research shows fireworks are one of the most common triggers of fear-related behaviour in dogs, including shaking, hiding, vocalising, escape attempts, and destructive behaviour (Riemer, 2019; Riemer, 2023).
2. Too many people, too little rest
Guests, children, doorbells, hugs, and unfamiliar smells can overwhelm dogs, especially those who are sensitive or live in apartments with no quiet escape.
3. Disrupted routines
Walks, meals, and sleep times change during the holidays. Dogs thrive on predictability, and losing it increases stress.
4. Holiday hazards everywhere
Chocolate, xylitol sweets, fatty leftovers, bones, cables, decorations - emergency vets report a clear rise in preventable incidents during Christmas and New Year (ASPCA; Cornell Riney Canine Health Center).
Solution 1: Create a Real Safe Space (Not Just “a Corner”)
Veterinary organisations like the AVMA recommend giving dogs access to a quiet, protected space during stressful events such as fireworks.
- A good safe space includes:
- A quiet room away from windows
- Curtains closed (to block flashes)
- White noise, TV, or calm music
- A comfortable bed or blanket with familiar smells
- Water access
Many dogs feel safest in enclosed or den-like spaces, such as a covered crate, but only if they’re already used to it. Never force a dog into a crate.
Helpful products here:
- A comfortable dog bed or soft blanket
- One familiar toy (not something completely new)
Familiar = calming.
Solution 2: Lower Stress Before Fireworks Start
Stress builds up throughout the day. Behaviour specialists recommend reducing overall arousal before known stressors like fireworks (Riemer, 2023).
Earlier in the day:
- Take a longer, relaxed walk
- Let your dog sniff (sniffing helps lower arousal)
- Feed meals earlier if fireworks are expected
Mental engagement helps
Gentle enrichment earlier in the evening can prevent restlessness later:
- Treat-dispensing toys
- Sniff or puzzle activities
- Calm interactive play (tug or fetch) before the noise starts
This is especially important for dogs living in apartments.
Solution 3: Fireworks Night. What Actually Helps
Do this:
- Keep your dog indoors
- Close windows and doors early
- Act calm and normal, dogs read your emotions
- Let your dog choose where they feel safest
Don’t do this:
- Don’t force exposure to fireworks
- Don’t punish shaking, barking, or hiding
- Don’t leave fearful dogs alone during peak fireworks
Modern behaviour science confirms that comforting a scared dog does not reinforce fear, fear is an emotional response, not a trained behaviour (Riemer, 2023).
Solution 4: Calming Support
Veterinary guidelines consistently recommend a multimodal approach to noise-related stress: environment + behaviour support + calming aids when appropriate (Riemer, 2023).
Anti-stress paste or calming supplements
Calming pastes or supplements can be a supportive tool for some dogs during predictable high-stress events like New Year’s Eve.
Best practice:
- Follow label instructions carefully
- Test on a calm evening first
- Use alongside a safe space, white noise, and enrichment
- Consult your vet if your dog has health conditions or uses medication
These products are not a cure, but they can help take the edge off when used thoughtfully and realistically (BSAVA).
Solution 5: Prevent Common Holiday Accidents
Veterinary organisations report many holiday emergencies are avoidable.
Foods to keep out of reach:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (in sweets, gum, baking products)
- Fatty leftovers
- Cooked bones
- Alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic
Ask guests not to feed your dog, even small amounts can be dangerous.
Decorations & household risks:
- Secure cables and fairy lights
- Avoid tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments
- Keep gift wrap and packaging away
- Watch seasonal plants like poinsettia and mistletoe (ASPCA)
Extra Tips for City & Apartment Dogs
- Walk dogs earlier in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve
- Make sure collars and harnesses fit securely
- Check ID tags and microchip details
- Avoid balconies during fireworks
Animal welfare organisations note that many dogs go missing during fireworks after bolting in panic, prevention is key (AVMA).
When to Talk to Your Vet
Speak to your vet before New Year’s Eve if your dog:
- Panics intensely or tries to escape
- Injures themselves during fireworks
- Doesn’t recover after noise stops
Planning ahead gives you more options than last-minute stress.
Sources & Veterinary References
- Riemer, S. (2019). Effect of fireworks on dogs. PLOS ONE
- Riemer, S. (2023). Treatment options for noise fears in dogs (review)
- AVMA – Fireworks and pets
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – Holiday hazards
- BSAVA – Canine behaviour and noise sensitivity
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center – Holiday pet safety
