How to Keep Your Dog Calm on New Year's Eve

The short answer: walk and feed your dog early, give them a cosy den in the quietest room, keep the TV or music on through midnight, and stay calm and close when the fireworks peak. If your dog struggles with fireworks, start a daily calming routine in early December rather than on the night.

New Year's Eve is harder for many dogs than bonfire night. The fireworks come late, they all go off at once at midnight, and there are often visitors, music and a house that is up far past bedtime. Here's how to plan the whole evening so your dog gets through it as calmly as possible.

Why New Year's Eve is so hard for dogs

• The timing: fireworks are allowed until 1am on New Year's Eve, so the loudest bangs land when your dog would normally be asleep.
• Everyone at once: unlike the spread out displays around 5 November, almost every firework in your area goes off around midnight.
• A busy house: guests, music, food and late nights all add to the stress.
• Routine out of the window: walks, meals and bedtime often shift on the day.

The week before

• Check your local displays and ask neighbours if they're planning garden fireworks.
• Set up the den now: a covered crate or a corner of the quietest room with their bed, a blanket that smells of home and a favourite toy. Let them get used to it before the night.
• Keep up a calming routine. If you use calming supplements, they work best given every day rather than as a one off, so keep going through December.
• Check their ID: make sure microchip details are up to date and their tag has your number. Frightened dogs can bolt.
• Talk to your vet if your dog really struggled on bonfire night. There may be more they can do.

Your New Year's Eve plan, hour by hour

1. Afternoon: give them a good, long walk in daylight, on a lead. Tire them out mentally too, with sniffing and a puzzle feeder.
2. Early evening: feed dinner a little earlier than usual, before the first fireworks start.
3. Before 9pm: do the last proper toilet break. Close curtains, windows and cat flaps, and lock the garden gate.
4. From 9pm: settle them in the den with the TV, radio or calm music on at a normal volume. Give them a long lasting chew or a lick mat.
5. Around midnight: stay with them if you can. Keep your voice low and calm. Let them hide if they want to.
6. After 1am: a very quick, quiet toilet break on a lead in the garden, then bed.
7. New Year's Day: keep walks on a lead. Some people let off leftover fireworks the next night too.

If you're having people round

• Give your dog a quiet room away from the party, with their den, water and a radio on.
• Ask guests not to fuss them if they've chosen to hide.
• Put a sign on the door to that room and make sure the front door stays shut.
• Keep party food out of reach. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and cooked bones are all dangerous for dogs.

If you're going out

If you can, don't leave a nervous dog alone on New Year's Eve. If you have to go out, ask someone they know and trust to stay with them, and set them up in their den with the TV on before you leave.

Frequently asked questions

Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?

Yes. Comforting a frightened dog doesn't reward the fear. Stay calm, speak softly and let them come to you.

What time do fireworks stop on New Year's Eve?

In the UK, fireworks are allowed until 1am on New Year's Eve, compared with 11pm on most nights of the year.

When should I start calming treats for New Year?

As early as you can. Pupps Calming soft chews are made to be given every day, and owners tell us the difference builds over the first few weeks. If you started for bonfire night, just keep going.

Is it okay to take my dog to a New Year's Eve party or display?

It's best not to. Even dogs who seem relaxed can panic with sudden bangs and crowds. A quiet room at home is safer.

For more help, read how to calm your dog during fireworks and why is my dog restless at night.