When there's a bang, it becomes critical
Saint Michael's Thursday. For many people, New Year's Eve means joy and a festive turn of the year. For dogs, however, the night of the New Year is often a state of emergency. The loud bangs of fireworks, bright flashes of light and unfamiliar smells can trigger symptoms of stress and anxiety in dogs. An ongoing study by the British animal welfare organization Dogs Trust shows that around 49 percent of dogs react negatively to the sounds of fireworks with signs such as trembling, hiding or excessive restlessness.
Fear of noise is by no means a rare or harmless phenomenon. Dogs have very sensitive hearing. They perceive sounds not only much louder, but also more differentiated than humans. What is a dull bang to humans is like an acoustic shock to many dogs. As a result, symptoms of stress can occur that last for hours or even days. Young dogs, former street dogs and animals with previous traumatic experiences are particularly affected.
“New Year's Eve shouldn't become a nightmare for our dogs. With preparation, understanding and targeted measures, we can significantly reduce the pressure on our four-legged family members and give them a less stressful turn of the year,” says Kaja Ringert, founder of Tales & Tails.
Five practical tips:
This is how owners support their dogs on New Year's Eve
- Quiet habituation
Even before New Year's Eve, dogs can be carefully accustomed to loud noises, for example by playing the sounds of fireworks in a relaxed atmosphere. - Safe retreat
A safe place in the home, with blankets, familiar smells and low outside noise, helps many dogs calm down. Important: Don't force the place, but make it usable voluntarily. - Obtain veterinary advice
Depending on the severity of the fear of noise, sedatives or supplementary food ingredients may be useful. A timely veterinary consultation is advisable, ideally a few weeks before the turn of the year. - Maintain solid routines
Feeding, walking and rest periods should proceed as usual. Walks on December 31st should take place as early as possible and on a leash, especially if the animals are anxious. - Radiate calm and don't overreact
Even if the dog becomes restless: excessive attempts at calming down can have a counterproductive effect. Instead, it is important to remain confident and calm yourself. That gives security.
About Tales & Tails
Tales & Tails was founded in 2018 by Kaja Ringert, Cathrin Wellens and Stella Mohr. The team of committed animal lovers pursues a clear mission: healthy, high-quality and transparently produced food for dogs and cats. Sustainability is at the heart of the business model – production is done using renewable energies, and every product sold is donated to animals in need. More information can be found at www.talesandtails.de/pages/uber-uns.