Keep Calm this New Years Eve
Another year has raced by us yet again, and it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2022. As we ring in the new year, there are a few important things to be considered for our beloved animals when planning our New Years Eve parties and events. From their POV, it likely isn’t a night of fun - Shouting as the clock strikes twelve, firework shows, and large gatherings can be very stressful for your dog and cause anxiety. We’ve pulled together a list of our favorite calming methods with our own pups in hopes they can help keep your animals calm and safe as we welcome 2023.
Puzzle Treat Toy
If you’re planning to go out for New Years, leaving your dog with a high-reward, enriching treat is often the first thing experts recommend for separation anxiety training. The theory holds that a high-reward treat while you’re gone will associate something positive with what is currently a negative experience. Unfortunately, some dog anxiety can be so extreme that they’re far too nervous to even touch the treat while you’re gone. This isn’t uncommon for a dog with intense separation anxiety — especially if they are more praise/people motivated than they are food motivated. This option is best for a dog who is more food motivated or has less separation anxiety.
Distract with a Lick Mat
If you don’t have a puzzle toy handy, or if your dog doesn’t really find interest in those, a licky mat might be a better solution as licking is a calming activity for dogs. Lick mats are used for spreadable treats such as peanut butter, and can offer your pup an engaging distraction.
*Popping one of these in your freezer with a spreadable treat will make it last longer!
Tranquility Blend
One of our top-selling calming aids is Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend. The all-natural calming formula has helped many of our clients that suffer from anxiety during thunderstorms, travel, in large crowds or separation anxiety. Blended with extracts of valerian root, skullcap, passion flower herb and oat flowering tops, this supplement promotes a relaxed and restful state. Unlike other calming tinctures, Tranquility Blend doesn’t induce a lethargic state, but simply calms them down so they’re better equipped to handle whatever triggers their anxiety.
Calming Chews
If your pup takes more to a chew rather than a topical supplement, these Calming Bites by Natural Dog Company are a wonderfully effective choice as they are intended for dogs experiencing nervousness, hyperactivity, discontentment, or stress. The formula is made with Melatonin, Valerian Root, Ginger Root; all naturally calming elements to safely promote a sense of relaxation, reduce the efforts of environmental stress and supports relaxed and balanced behavior.
Mask sounds with Music or White Noise
There are many playlists out there that are specific for dogs that help lower anxiety. Here are a few we recommend on Spotify:
3 hours of White Noise
My 11-year-old Chihuahua, Tobie, is absolutely terrified of thunderstorms and loud noises - He shakes and shakes and had a very hard time fully calming down until after a storm or loud noise occurrence pass - I felt so helpless but knew there had to be something I could do. After doing my own calming method research, I found the beauty and effectiveness of creating a “safe space” for him to go to when these stressful times came. Keeping the lights low - or off - in a room with limited windows and filling this Calming Donut Bed with his favorite blanket and toys was our game changer! He snuggles right up under his blankey and takes a snoozle until he’s ready for the world again.
