New Year & Fireworks!
Here’s a reminder, since November, of our regular advice & tips for making it as safe & comfortable as possible for our pugs when Fireworks are expected.
In advance, you may have considered:
- Desensitising your pets to noise: Playing fireworks noises quietly using sound CDs, while rewarding calm behaviour, can help them become accustomed to the noise. Play them in the run up to firework season, to help them see they need not be afraid.
- Anxiety relief products: Anxiety relieving products containing pheromones are an effective way to help your pet stay calm, also comforting jackets are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
For their comfort and security on New Year’s Eve:
- Walk your dogs before it’s dark.
- Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat later on.
- Make sure your house or garden is escape-proof, as they can bolt or go missing. (Check their microchip registration is up-to-date!)
- Keep windows and curtains closed, the lights on and turn the TV on to play music to help drown out the noise.
- Create a safe, cosy place for your dog to settle before it gets dark. Dogs enjoy cosy dens.
- Keep them entertained to take their mind off the noise. Comforting and reassuring them.
- Do not leave them alone at home or elsewhere.
- For Halloween, take precautions to make trick/treaters aware that you are not participating, so that the doorbell isn’t rung throughout the evening. We all know how our dogs react to that!
- Fireworks. They contain hazardous chemicals which can be poisonous to your dog. Initially these poisons can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain and/or bloody stools.
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- More severe effects may include seizures and the chemicals may also affect your dog’s breathing, kidneys and liver.
- Don’t let your dog into your garden unsupervised around Bonfire Night and the other seasonal celebrations, without checking first that none have fallen into your garden.
If the weather is cold or freezing:
- Antifreeze, (ethylene glycol) is the worst of all the chemical spills, which can also leak from a car’s radiator.
- Ingestion is very dangerous. It is sweet tasting and very palatable to dogs, though even a relatively small quantity can cause serious kidney damage or be fatal.
- The first signs of intoxication can be that your dog appears ‘drunk’. If you know your dog has ingested ethylene glycol or you have any concerns, contact your vet without delay.
- The prognosis is poorer the longer it takes to initiate treatment.
So please be extra vigilant, and if you suspect your dog has been affected in any way. Contact your vet as soon as possible to discuss symptoms.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
- Helping your dog cope with fireworks | Dogs Trust
- Supporting your dog during and after fireworks | Dogs Trust
Above all, Have a Very Happy New Year, 2026!!
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For other useful & informative pug health articles, please see our web section: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
