Dr. Cornelia Fricke

VETERINARY PRACTICE & PET DENTIST

The comprehensive veterinary guide for a relaxed turn of the year

December 31st is a reason to celebrate for many people. For us dog owners – and particularly for me as a veterinarian – it is often the most stressful day of the year.

I see it every year in my practice: desperate owners and panicked dogs. The fear of loud noises (noise phobia) is no trivial matter for our four-legged friends, but pure stress. If your dog is trembling, panting, or hiding in the bathroom on New Year's Eve, you suffer along with them.

In this article, I will show you as a veterinarian, what really helps. We will look at what you can do in the long term, how to manage "the day X," and which medications do make sense (and which you should definitely avoid).

Why are dogs afraid of New Year's Eve?

First, we need to understand: Your dog is not exaggerating. Their hearing is far superior to ours. Dogs can hear frequencies that we cannot perceive, and they hear sounds about four times louder than we do.

A firecracker is not just "loud" for a dog. It is a physical threat. Additionally, New Year's Eve is unpredictable. A thunderstorm often announces itself through changes in air pressure – a firecracker comes out of nowhere.

How can I tell if my dog is afraid?

Some signals are obvious, others subtle. Pay attention to these symptoms:

• Obvious panic: Strong trembling, panting, drooling, attempts to escape, hiding under furniture
• Subtle signs of stress: Licking lips, yawning, pinned ears, "whale eye" (showing the whites of the eyes), loss of appetite

Important note: Many dogs develop noise anxiety later in life. Just because your dog was relaxed last year, doesn’t mean they will be this year. Don’t ignore the first signs!

Preparation: What you can do weeks in advance

If you are reading this article in November or early December: Perfect! You still have time for gentle methods.

1. Dietary supplements (Start: early December)

There are natural remedies that lower stress levels, so the dog doesn't get overstimulated so quickly. However, these need some time to work!

• Zylkene (Alpha-Casozepin): A milk protein that has a calming effect (similar to mother’s milk for puppies)
• L-Tryptophan: An amino acid that supports serotonin production
• CBD oil: Can have a relaxing effect on many dogs (please look for special veterinary products without THC)

2. Desensitization (Training)

There are special noise CDs or playlists (e.g., on Spotify or YouTube) where you can play firecracker sounds quietly and positively associate them (feeding/playing).

Warning: Never start this just a few days before New Year's Eve, it can worsen the fear!

Day X: Management measures for New Year's Eve

It is December 31st. Now it’s about crisis management. Here’s how to build a fortress for your dog against fear:

Create a "Safe Zone"

• Shutters down: Already in the afternoon! This dampens the sound and – even more importantly – blocks out the light flashes.
• Lights on: Keep bright lights on in all rooms. This makes outside light flashes less intense.
• Counter-noises: Play the TV or music (a bit louder than usual). Classical, reggae, or audiobooks often have a calming effect. There are also special "Relax My Dog" playlists.
• Build caves: Some dogs love it tight and dark. A box with a thick blanket over it (open door!) or a spot in a windowless bathroom can work wonders.

The schedule & safety

• Walks: The last big walk should happen at noon, ideally in quiet forest areas. In the evening (around 8/9 PM), just a quick trip to the garden or outside.
• Safety is a must: In the days around New Year's Eve, every anxious dog should be on a leash! Best double-secured (collar + safety harness). A frightened dog can slip out of a normal collar in seconds.
• Feeding: A large portion of carbohydrates (pasta/potatoes) can make them sleepy. Chew items or lick mats calm them through jaw movement.

Medical help & aids

There is often great uncertainty here. Let's clarify what makes medical sense.

Over-the-counter aids

• Thundershirt: A snug-fitting body that applies gentle pressure to the chest (similar to swaddling for babies). Helps many dogs, but please try it on beforehand and let the dog "break it in."
• Adaptil: Pheromones (as a diffuser for the socket or collar) that convey a sense of safety.

The Myth of Egg Liqueur – Yes or No?

As a veterinarian, I say: It is a double-edged sword, but yes, it can work as an emergency solution. Alcohol has anxiolytic effects in small amounts.

• Dosage is crucial: One often calculates with tiny amounts (please consult your veterinarian!).
• Prerequisite: The dog must be healthy (no liver/kidney damage!) and like the taste.
• Never use on dogs that are already receiving other medications!

Prescription medications

When training and management are not enough, real medicine is animal welfare. We want to avoid panic.

⚠️ WARNING about Acepromazine (Vetranquil, Sedalin) ⚠️

In the past, this was the standard medication. Today, we veterinarians strongly advise against it!

Why? It immobilizes the dog but hardly dampens noise perception. The dog lies paralyzed in the corner, fully aware of the noise and unable to escape. This often leads to massive trauma. Do not use this medication for New Year's Eve!

The modern alternatives (available only in veterinary practices)

• Sileo (Dexmedetomidine): A gel that is applied to the oral mucosa. It blocks norepinephrine release. The dog stays awake but no longer feels fear. Very well controllable.
• Pexion: An epilepsy medication that has anxiolytic effects at higher doses. Often needs to be given days in advance.
• Alprazolam / Diazepam: Real anxiety relievers (benzodiazepines). They work strongly and reliably but can cause disinhibition (caution with aggressive dogs).

My advice: Talk to us now (not just on December 30th) about the right medication for your dog.

The biggest mistakes: What you should NOT do

Myth: "Don't comfort!"

Outdated dog schools often claim that you shouldn’t pet the dog when it is afraid, as it would confirm the fear. This is wrong. Fear is an emotion, not a behavior. You cannot reinforce fear through affection.

Please comfort your dog! If he seeks contact, let him come to you on the sofa. Your calmness and closeness (social support) lower his cortisol levels. Be his rock in the storm.

Leaving the dog alone

Never leave your dog alone at home on New Year's Eve. Even the best-behaved dog can injure itself in panic or destroy furniture.

Experiments on New Year's Eve

Never give medications for the first time directly on New Year's Eve (paradoxical reactions are possible). Always test dosages on a calm day beforehand in consultation with your veterinarian.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bach flower remedies (Rescue Drops) really help?

Scientifically, no effect beyond the placebo effect has been proven. However, if you as an owner become calmer, it positively affects the dog. However, they are not sufficient in cases of real panic.

When should I go to the veterinarian?

If your dog is excessively drooling, urinating from fear, injuring itself, or refuses to go outside for days after New Year's Eve. Then we need a therapy plan.

Can I use hearing protection for dogs?

Yes, there are special "Mutt Muffs" or cotton balls (caution!) for the ears. However, this must be trained for weeks; otherwise, the foreign body in the ear will stress the dog further.

Conclusion: You are not powerless

New Year's Eve with a fearful dog is exhausting, but with the right preparation, it is manageable. Combine supplements in advance with good management on day X. Don’t hesitate to ask us for real medications – no dog should suffer unnecessarily.

I wish you and your furry friend a peaceful transition and a healthy new year!

Written

Dr. med. vet. Cornelia Fricke  

Specialist veterinarian and practice owner

Additional qualifications in cage, zoo and wild birds and reptiles

Veterinary densist (German Society for Animal Dentistry)

VETERINARY PRACTICE & PET DENTIST

Dr. Cornelia Fricke