Trembling, panting, crawling under the sofa: for many dogs New Year's Eve is the scariest time of the year. This is not drama, it is real fear. The good news: there is a lot you can do. Start sound training in good time, set up a safe space and talk to your vet early if your dog is very frightened.
Do you have a puppy? Then also read socialising your puppy without overwhelming them and your puppy's first weeks at home. Want your dog to stay calm when you are out for a while? See teaching your dog to stay home alone.
How common is fear of fireworks?
Very common. In a survey of 1,225 dog owners (available via PubMed Central), just over half of the dogs were afraid of fireworks. In 45 percent of the fearful dogs, the fear started before their first birthday. The fear is not fixed either: it improved in 39 percent, but got worse in 27 percent. Most dogs had recovered by the next morning, but more than 3 percent were affected for weeks or even months.
How to recognise fear
According to the LICG, frightened dogs show behaviour such as:
- trembling, panting or barking;
- hiding, running away or making themselves small;
- a low tail and ears pulled back;
- restless pacing.
Subtler signals count too, such as licking their lips, lifting a paw or refusing food.
Start sound training now
The LICG advises starting months before New Year's Eve, ideally as early as August. If that moment has passed, start now. This is how:
- Play a recording of fireworks very quietly while you play with your dog or give a treat.
- Turn the volume up in small steps, but always stay below the level at which your dog shows fear.
- Expect a few days to a few weeks of practice.
If your dog is already afraid, the LICG advises against group courses, because one dog's fear can spread to another. Also bear in mind that real fireworks are more than sound. The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals (Dierenbescherming) points to vibrations, smell and flashes of light that a recording does not reproduce.
The study on PubMed Central shows that dogs trained like this as puppies were affected far less later on. Practising before the fear develops really pays off.
A safe space
Set up a quiet spot with a blanket and favourite toys. The RSPCA advises keeping this space accessible at all times, even when you are not at home. Do not force your dog into it: let them choose where they feel comfortable.
On New Year's Eve itself
- Walks: walk your dog well in advance, preferably in daylight and on the lead. The Dierenbescherming advises not going out for a walk after 10 pm.
- Indoors and not alone: keep your dog indoors and do not leave them home alone.
- Shield the house: close the curtains and turn on the radio or TV to muffle the bangs.
- Distraction: the LICG advises offering a food puzzle or something to chew before the fireworks start. According to the Dierenbescherming, chewing can be relaxing.
- Support: if your dog seeks comfort, let them sit with you and talk calmly. Stay calm yourself.
- Never punish: according to the LICG, punishment only makes the situation scarier.
Microchip and registration
A frightened dog can bolt in panic. So check that the microchip registration is correct, with your current address and phone number. Read how this works in microchipping, registration and the dog passport.
When to see the vet
Is your dog very frightened, or do fireworks go on for days in your area? Then call your vet in good time. According to the LICG, there are medicines registered specifically for fear of fireworks in dogs. The LICG warns not to wait too long with them in cases of extreme fear, because otherwise the fear gets worse. Never give anything yourself without advice. If the fear persists, your vet can refer you to a behaviour specialist.
Looking for a dog that fits your life? Browse the dog page on Nestjes and feel free to ask the breeder or shelter how the puppy or dog reacts to loud noises.
Sources
- LICG – Vuurwerk (fireworks) (accessed October 2026)
- LICG – Als je dier bang is voor vuurwerk (if your animal is afraid of fireworks) (accessed October 2026)
- Dierenbescherming – Vuurwerktips (fireworks tips) (accessed October 2026)
- RSPCA – Keeping dogs, cats and other small pets safe during fireworks (accessed October 2026)
- PubMed Central – Not a one-way road: severity, progression and prevention of firework fears in dogs (accessed October 2026)
