The end of the year is just around the corner, and with it come New Year's Eve celebrations – a time of fun, good food, alcohol and a lot more noise. Setting off rockets and fireworks is a tradition that is hard to give up. Unfortunately, pyrotechnics in particular stress a great many animals, and for many dog and cat owners this can be a very difficult time. Some dogs cope with the bangs well and aren't bothered at all, but most of them are very scared. Dogs' ears are more sensitive than human ones, so they perceive noise far more intensely. The sound of fireworks and firecrackers can trigger completely unpredictable behaviour caused by severe stress and panic. Try to follow a few basic rules, keep unpleasant stimuli to a minimum and see the New Year in calmly and comfortably with your dog.

Well-timed walks and one long outing
If you tire your dog out properly, there's a good chance they'll sleep through the New Year's celebrations, or at least react less strongly to the bangs. What matters is good timing. Go for your walk at a time when fireworks and firecrackers are still unlikely. Ideally, avoid hotspots. Keep your dog on a secure lead and avoid letting them off it. Even if your four-legged friend is used to running off-lead and stays close to you, they may get startled by a bang and run away.  It's best to take the longer walk in the morning or early in the afternoon. As evening draws closer, take your dog out only for a quick toilet break.

Background noise and distraction through play
One way to protect your dog from the noise of firecrackers and fireworks is to go away somewhere remote where the noise won't be so loud. However, such a place isn't easy to find, and not all of us have that option. If there's no other solution, it's good to prepare in advance. Turn the radio, TV, music – anything that drowns out the noise outside – up loud. Background sound is ideally switched on before the festivities begin. Try to prevent the first firecrackers from frightening your dog. An animal that has been scared by bangs and flashes is almost impossible to calm down. Plan some entertainment for your dog for the evening and distract them with play. You can use treat puzzles, Hersenwerk (tailor-made puzzles), interactive toys, snuffle mats or any other at-home fun your dog enjoys, which will help keep their mind busy, and divert their attention and reduce stress.

Stay with them and give them a place to hide

What your beloved four-legged friend will appreciatemost is you being with them the whole time. With you around, they'll feel much safer and more confident. Be kind to your dog, stay calm and don't get stressed. Dogs sense when something is going on – it's enough that you're not behaving as usual. You'll give them the feeling that something is wrong and that they should be afraid. Don't overdo the comforting and soothing. Stroke them and play with them, but only as much as they're used to. Dogs are very sensitive to how we feel, and if you don't show your dog that anything is happening and don't react to the fireworks, your dog will feel better too. Behave as if nothing were happening outside. Never shuta frightened dog away anywhere – stay with them and help them get through the noise.

At home you can prepare a safe spot for your dogwhere they'll feel comfortable and secure. Ideally close to you. Let themhide away and curl up somewhere – under the bed, an armchair or a table. It can be the kind of place where you, too, would feel safe and secure.

TIP: If your dog lives outside and is frightened and anxious on New Year's Eve, bring them indoors. Staying out in the garden with them is not the answer. Take them inside to a safe place where they can wait out the bangs in peace.