How can you help your dog get through the Christmas holidays? 10 life hacks!

Every year there are announcements about dogs lost on the evening or night of December 31st. And since the dogs are fleeing in a panic from the cannonade, they run without looking at the road and cannot return home. But even if you managed to keep the dog, the stress of the horror experienced can last up to 3 weeks.

Some owners are sure that if the dog is not afraid of gunshots, fireworks with firecrackers will not scare it either. Is not a fact. Dogs are sensitive to a wider range of sounds and distinguish the sound of a shot from a firecracker or fireworks, in addition, they are frightened by the whistle that precedes the explosion and are nervous when they see other dogs running in panic or people screaming at fireworks explosions. Therefore, even if you are sure that your dog will not be afraid of firecrackers and fireworks, do not take risks – do not drag it to places where firecrackers can explode and fireworks can be launched. If you want to admire them, go there without a dog, and leave your pet at home. If your dog is afraid, you can help him deal with his anxiety. 

10 Ways to Help Your Dog Get Through the Holidays

1. The best (but, unfortunately, far from always feasible) option is to take the dog away from the noises of the New Year’s city. You can go out of town. And the worst thing you can do is to leave, leaving the dog with strangers. If the dog also loses its owner, holiday fireworks can finish it off.
2. If the dog is generally shy, it is worth consulting with the veterinarian in advance – perhaps he will prescribe drugs that you can give the dog in advance or in case of fright. However, it is worth trying the medicine earlier – perhaps the dog is allergic to it, and it is unlikely that you will find a veterinarian on the night of January 1st.
3. Get ready in advance. About a week in advance, it is worth preparing a comfortable bed for the dog in a room without windows or in a room where the sounds from the street are heard less. Put your favorite toys and treats in there. The dog will have a secluded place where he can hide, and this will reduce anxiety.
4. Don’t let your dog off the leash! Moreover, start driving on a leash 1 – 2 weeks before the holiday and do not let go for a couple more weeks after the New Year.
5. If possible, avoid people who you think want to set off firecrackers or fireworks.
6. If the previous rule was not followed, the firecracker exploded nearby and the dog looks scared, stroking it and calming it down is a bad decision. It is better to show with your appearance that there is nothing to be afraid of, and the noise is not worthy of attention. Just move on. Praise for the fact that the dog is not afraid is also not worth it.
7. You should not bring the dog to the window so that she admires the fireworks, and do not run to the window yourself. Drawing the dog’s attention to these sounds is not the best solution.
8. Don’t let your dog get overexcited. Cancel for the duration of the game and training, if they excite your pet.
9. On December 31, walk the dog well in the morning and afternoon. Do not postpone your evening walk after 18:00. Even at this time there will be a roar, but still there is less chance of being scared.
10. If the dog whines and runs around the rooms, do not disturb him, but provide access to a room where sounds are not heard as much. If the dog trembles and clings to you (only in this case!) hug him and start breathing deeply in a certain rhythm. You will feel that the dog flinches less often. If she has expressed a desire to leave, let her do so.