How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe During Holiday Parties & Fireworks

Dogs thrive on routine, and during the holidays those routines can easily be disrupted. Guests, relatives, parties—and especially fireworks or gunshots on New Year’s Eve—can cause significant stress and anxiety for dogs.

To help pet parents prepare, Matt Pelsor, host of the WTTS FM Morning Show, and I recently discussed practical ways to keep dogs calm, safe, and secure during the holiday season.

👉 Download the FREE Holiday Pet Safety Checklist here

How to Create a Safe Space for Your Dog During the Holidays

Choose a quiet room in your home that’s far away from noise and foot traffic. Interior spaces such as a bedroom, laundry room, or walk-in closet work best. Add your dog’s bed, favorite toys, and soft blankets to create a familiar, comforting environment.

Including something that smells like you—such as a hoodie or pillowcase—can help reduce anxiety. Dogs are comforted by their human’s scent and often feel safer when surrounded by familiar smells.

Close all curtains and blinds to block flashing lights from fireworks. Turn on a radio or television to create white noise and help mask loud sounds from outside. (WTTS FM makes a great calming background!)

To reduce interruptions, consider posting a sign on the door letting guests know this is your dog’s safe space and asking them not to disturb your pet.

👉 Download a printable “Pet Safe Space – Do Not Disturb” door sign

Printable Pet Safe Space Do Not Disturb door sign

Be sure to set up this area before guests arrive or fireworks begin—prevention is always easier than calming a frightened dog.

How to Reduce Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs

Fireworks anxiety in dogs is extremely common, but preparation can make a big difference. One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is exercise. A long walk or play session earlier in the day helps burn off nervous energy and encourages relaxation later.

Provide enrichment activities such as lick mats, frozen treats, or long-lasting chews like antlers or collagen chews. Licking and chewing are natural calming behaviors that help dogs self-soothe.

It’s also important to stay calm yourself. Dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions, and your stress can increase theirs. Never punish fear-based behaviors and don’t force your dog to interact with guests.

Remember—while fireworks may look beautiful to us, dogs often perceive them as a serious threat and instinctively try to escape to safety.

Preventing Dog Escapes During Parties and Fireworks

Fireworks and gunshots often peak around midnight, making New Year’s Eve one of the most common times for dogs to go missing.

• Make sure your dog is wearing a secure collar with current ID tags
• Confirm microchip information is up to date
• Keep doors closed during parties
• Assign one adult to monitor entrances
• Always use a leash when going outside—even in fenced yards
• Secure windows, screens, and fences

Emergency Preparedness for Pets During the Holidays

Holiday emergencies involving toxin ingestion and bleeding injuries increase significantly during this time of year. Save the phone number of your nearest emergency veterinary clinic in advance and keep a pet first-aid kit readily available.

Having essential supplies on hand—including Rapid Rescue for bleeding emergencies—can make a critical difference when minutes matter.

Help Your Dog Welcome the New Year Calmly and Safely

With thoughtful preparation, you can help your dog feel secure, relaxed, and protected throughout holiday celebrations. A calm environment, escape prevention, and emergency readiness go a long way toward reducing stress and keeping pets safe.

From all of us at Scout & Zoe’s, we wish you and your pets a calm, safe, and Happy New Year! 🐾