New Year’s Eve with Your Dog: Simple Steps to Help Keep them Relaxed
Becki Gude, Dog trainer
So, you’ve made it through Christmas – and now New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. It’s a lively night for us all, with fireworks, gatherings, and plenty of people coming and going, but it can feel overwhelming for our dogs. Unlike Bonfire Night, where the noise tends to come in short bursts earlier in the evenings, New Year’s Eve fireworks often don’t even start until midnight and can carry on well into the early hours, making it much harder for dogs to settle. Even usually confident pets can find the sudden bangs and general chaos a bit much. With some good preparation, you can help your dog feel safe and settled, making the night far less stressful for both of you – and ready to start the new year on a high!
1. Start Preparing Early
If you know your dog struggles with fireworks, having just got through bonfire night, a bit of planning in advance can really help. I often suggest playing firework sounds quietly while your dog is relaxed or doing something they enjoy. Keep it subtle at first, pair the sounds with some nice treats, and only turn it up gradually if they’re coping well.
Even a few short 5 or 10 minute sessions in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve can help your dog feel more prepared for the real thing.
2. Create a Safe, Cosy Space
A cosy, quiet space can make a huge difference. Set up an area where your dog can tuck themselves away if things get a bit intense – a crate with a blanket over the top, your bedroom, or just a comfortable corner of the living room.
A few little touches can make a big difference:
- familiar bedding or a favourite toy
- curtains closed to block out flashes
- soft music, TV or white noise to soften the bangs. Classic FM have an evening for dogs for bonfire night, so there may be something similar on NYE!
Some dogs prefer to tuck themselves away, while others want to be right beside their people – both are completely normal. Let your dog lead the way.
3. Keep Them Indoors and Safe
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve tend to be unpredictable — they can start early and carry on well past midnight. I always recommend a good walk earlier in the day while it’s still light and relatively quiet.
Once evening arrives, keep your dog indoors, and be mindful of doors and gates, especially if visitors are coming and going. Even steady dogs can bolt in a moment of panic, so it’s worth double-checking everything is secure.
While you’re at it, it’s a good time to make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
4. Stay Relaxed Yourself!
Dogs are incredibly good at picking up on our emotions. If you’re tense or anxious, or even anticipating your dog’s reaction, your dog will sense it. Try to stay calm and act normally, even when the fireworks start.
If your dog comes to you for reassurance, it’s absolutely fine to comfort them. You’re not “rewarding” fear – you’re helping them feel safe. I always tell clients to think of it like comforting a child during a storm: your presence can make all the difference. Speak softly and let your dog decide how close they want to be.
5. Keep Their Mind Busy and Engaged
A bit of distraction can work wonders. A long-lasting chew, a lick mat, a stuffed frozen Kong, or a simple sniff-and-search game around the room can all help shift their focus away from the noise outside.
Sniffing or “scentwork” in particular is naturally calming for dogs. It really gives them something positive and soothing to do when things get noisy.
6. Reach Out for Veterinary Support if Needed
There are plenty of calming products you can try, such as pheromone diffusers and natural supplements, and they can be genuinely helpful for some dogs.
But if your dog shows signs of real distress, things like trembling, pacing, trying to hide, drooling, trying to escape or being unable to settle — please speak to your vet. There are safe, short-term medications that can offer real relief.
And it’s essential to remember: medication isn’t a last resort. For dogs who experience genuine fear, it can transform what would otherwise be a traumatic night into something much more manageable. In my experience, choosing medication when it’s needed is one of the kindest things an owner can do.
Happy New year!
Remember every dog is a bit different. Some only need a bit of extra comfort, while others may need more structured support or medication. The key is to plan ahead, stay patient, and support your dog in whatever way suits them best.
With a little preparation and plenty of understanding, New Year’s Eve can be a cosy, calm night for both of you – the perfect way to kick off the new year feeling safe, connected, and ready to take on whatever comes your way in 2026!
Becki Gude, Dog trainer
