Get your dog ready for the New Year

Far too many dogs walk around with their nerves on full display throughout December. Although it is only legal to set off fireworks from December 27th to January 1st, the explosions are often heard much earlier.

If your dog's anxiety is very severe, only prescription sedatives can help. Contact your veterinarian now for help. Fortunately, there are medications that are incredibly effective at calming your dog without the sedative effect. However, you can do a lot to reduce most dogs' anxiety yourself.

I have collected 10 tips to calm your dog on New Year's Eve.

Long walks

In general, the dog's stress level should be as low as possible. Preferably starting in December. By increasing the length of the walks, the body is used more. This provides greater calm in the body, and the body's secretion of natural calming hormones increases.

You can use a flexi or trail leash and let your dog have more freedom in areas that allow it.

Dietary supplements

Many dogs also benefit from a supplement of the amino acid tryptophan, which supports the body's production of the calming serotonin. Tryptophan is converted into the hormone melatonin (the sleep hormone) which makes the dog naturally tired and ensures the best sleep.

Activity games

Stimulate your dog as much as you can with training, play, and searching for treats. The more stimulated a dog is, the more it sleeps and the calmer it becomes.

Naturally soothing

Adaptil and Aptus are designed to reduce your dog's stress levels. They are natural medicines so you don't have to worry, even if you want to give them to your dog for longer periods of time.

Aptus relax are small chews that contain a number of natural stress-relieving ingredients. This means that your dog systematically absorbs the ingredients. The effect occurs when your dog absorbs the chew, it takes about 30 minutes from when you give the chew to when your dog feels an effect. The effect is strongest in the first 3-5 hours and then decreases over a day.

Adaptil, unlike Aptus, is not something your dog should ingest. Adaptil is artificially produced pheromones. The pheromones that have been produced are the same "signal substance" that a mother dog secretes when she nurses her puppies and it is therefore associated with great security and well-being.

Thundershirt

A Thundershirt creates gentle pressure on your dog's head muscles, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Studies have shown that the vest has an effect on 80% of dogs who previously experienced restlessness and stress in their everyday lives.

Chewing bone

It is a good idea to buy a long-lasting bone and give it to your dog in the evening. It can keep your dog busy. However, it cannot be used for dogs that become very possessive about their food, as it will instead increase their stress level if they feel they are defending their resources.

Dog massage

By giving your dog long, firm strokes from the tip of the nose, down the spine and down the back of the thigh on both sides, the release of calming hormones is stimulated. This can be done many times a day. As an added bonus, it is also calming for the owner performing the massage, as they also get an increased number of calming substances in their own body.

Classical music

Playing classical music, especially Bach, can reduce your dog's overall stress levels. Music is a great medicine, and there are many articles available describing the extensive evidence in music therapy. You can play it when your dog is home alone and all New Year's Eve.

Cave building

Build caves for your dog, as it is important for the dog to feel that he/she can actively do something to protect himself. Soundproof the caves with quilts, both for comfort and noise. Build several different ones and let the dog choose.

Calm behavior

If your dog starts to whine and seem restless, it is important that you do not pity him. This can confirm to your dog that it is all very dangerous and thus increase the anxiety. Some dogs find the most security in being with you, lying on your lap and generally having complete control over where you are when everything is rumbling and crashing. Therefore, never leave your dog alone at any time on New Year's Eve.

Have a nice and peaceful New Year.