How to Keep Your Dog Safe During New Year’s Eve Fireworks

How to Keep Your Dog Safe During New Year’s Eve Fireworks

A Big Canyon Guide to a Calm & Happy Celebration

New Year’s Eve is full of excitement for humans—but for many dogs, fireworks can feel confusing, overwhelming, and downright scary. As pet parents, we want our pups to feel safe, protected, and comforted through every moment, especially loud ones. At Big Canyon, we believe in caring for our dogs the same way we care for our families—with intention, compassion, and preparation.

Here’s your guide to keeping your dog safe during New Year’s Eve fireworks, filled with expert-backed tips and gentle ways to help your pup feel secure as you welcome the new year together.

A quiet, comfortable environment is one of the best things you can provide during fireworks.

Fireworks safety tips for dogs start with building a “retreat zone”:

• Choose a room away from windows and outside noise
• Add blankets, their favorite bed, or a crate if they’re crate-trained
• Play calming music, white noise, or a TV show to soften loud bangs
• Close curtains or blinds to reduce flashes of light

A familiar, cozy space reassures your dog that everything is okay, even when the outside world gets loud.

2. Stick to Your Dog’s Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Try to:

• Feed them at their normal time
• Take them on an earlier walk before fireworks begin
• Allow extra playtime to release energy

A predictable routine helps reduce dog anxiety during fireworks and keeps them grounded.

3. Keep Your Dog Inside During Fireworks

Even the calmest dogs can bolt from fear. To prevent escapes:

• Ensure all doors, gates, and fences are secure
• Keep ID tags on, even indoors
• Make sure microchip information is up-to-date

Each New Year’s Eve, shelters report an increase in runaway pets—keeping your dog inside is one of the strongest ways to prevent this.

4. Try Calming Aids and Comfort Tools

Every dog is different. Some may benefit from additional calming support. You can consider:

• Calming chews or treats
• Anxiety vests
• Diffusers or sprays with soothing scents
• Slow feeders or enrichment toys for distraction

If your pup gets anxious easily, talk to your veterinarian about safe anxiety-reducing options for New Year’s Eve.

5. Keep Your Energy Calm & Reassuring

Dogs pick up on our emotions. Staying relaxed, speaking gently, and staying near your dog can make a big difference.

• Give them slow petting or “reassurance touches”
• Sit with them on the floor
• Avoid overly reacting to loud sounds yourself

Your presence becomes their anchor.

6. Avoid Taking Your Dog Outside at Midnight

Even a quick bathroom break close to midnight can lead to fear or accidental escapes.

• Let them out well before fireworks start
• Use a leash even in your yard if fireworks may already be happening
• Stay alert to neighbors celebrating early or late

This is one of the simplest but most effective New Year’s Eve dog safety practices.

7. Prepare Early—Especially for New/Young Dogs

If this is your dog’s first New Year’s Eve or they’re still learning the world, give them extra time and care.

• Introduce calming music earlier in the day
• Keep guests and parties small or calmer if possible
• Provide enrichment activities to keep their mind busy

A little early planning can turn a stressful night into a peaceful one.

8. Treat Them to Something Special

A familiar snack or high-value treat can help distract and reward calm behavior.

At Big Canyon Pet Food Co., we craft premium, tail-wag-worthy kibble and freeze-dried Big Canyon Bites that pups love. If your dog struggles during fireworks, crumble a few Bites on top of their meal—dogs go crazy for the taste, and the added flavor can help keep them focused on something they enjoy.

Start the New Year Safe, Calm & Full of Love

New Year’s Eve should feel magical—not stressful. By preparing early and creating a safe environment, you can help your dog greet the new year feeling relaxed and protected.

At Big Canyon, we believe in giving dogs the very best—Big Nutrition, Big Taste, Big Impact—and that includes helping them feel safe during big moments like this.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, adventure-filled year ahead… for you and your furry best friend. 🐾✨