Dog scared of fireworks - how to get through New Year's Eve

Dogs and cats hear far better than we do, and fireworks are both loud and unpredictable. The bangs come without warning, from different directions and sometimes over several days around New Year. For an animal that does not understand what is happening, it can feel like a real threat.

Fear can grow from year to year if the animal has bad experiences, so it pays to take it seriously from the very first time.

Most of what helps takes time. Ideally, start as early as November:

1. Talk to your vet if your dog or cat usually gets very scared. Some aids need to be tried out before New Year.
2. Set up a safe hiding place, such as a crate with a blanket over it or a corner of a room without windows, and let your pet get used to it.
3. Get your dog used to the sounds little by little with recorded bangs at low volume, ideally paired with something positive like food or play.
4. Check that your pet is microchipped and that your contact details in the register are up to date, in case it runs off.
5. Book a sitter early if you are going away over New Year.

Never give your pet your own or borrowed medication. Always talk to a vet if you are considering anything to calm your pet.

A calm and predictable day makes the evening easier. You can plan it like this:

It is fine to comfort a scared dog. Stay calm, speak softly and let your dog choose whether it wants to be close to you or hide.

Knowing when fireworks are allowed in your municipality helps you plan your walks:

• Rockets with a guide stick have been banned for private individuals throughout Sweden since 1 June 2019.
• Within built-up areas, a police permit is generally required to set off fireworks.
• Many municipalities allow fireworks without a permit during set hours around New Year, for example from early evening on New Year's Eve until after midnight. The times and areas differ between municipalities.
• Anyone buying or using fireworks must be at least 18.

Check your municipality's local regulations before New Year. If you see fireworks being set off without a permit, you can contact the police.

Cats often get just as scared as dogs, but show it by hiding. Outdoor cats are especially at risk because they can run a long way when the bangs start.

• Bring your cat in during the afternoon and close the cat flap.
• Put out an indoor litter tray if your cat usually goes outside.
• Make sure there are hiding places both high up and low down.
• Leave your cat alone in its hiding place and do not coax it out.

If you are away over New Year, a sitter can visit your cat at home with cat sitting, ideally both before and after midnight.

For a dog scared of fireworks, it is usually best to stay at home in familiar surroundings, with someone who knows how it reacts. A new place at the same time as the bangs can make the fear worse.

• A sitter in your home: the sitter stays with you over New Year and your dog keeps its safe place.
• Overnight care at a sitter's home: suits dogs who already know the sitter and are happy there.

Christmas and New Year are peak season, so search for sitters near you and book early. Tell the sitter about the fear, the hiding place and what usually helps, and go through our checklist before the stay.