New York, NY – Fireworks are expected across the East Coast tonight as New Year’s Eve celebrations begin, prompting dog owners from Maine to Florida to take steps to reduce anxiety and prevent pets from escaping.
Even in areas without official fireworks displays, loud booms and flashes are common throughout the evening and into the early morning hours. Animal welfare organizations consistently report New Year’s Eve as one of the highest-risk nights of the year for dogs to go missing due to noise-related panic.
Fireworks noise is expected to be widespread in major population centers including New York City and Newark, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Boston and Providence, Raleigh and Charlotte, and coastal communities where celebrations often continue late into the night.
How to Calm Dogs During Fireworks
Pet safety experts recommend preparing early, before fireworks begin:
- Bring dogs indoors well before sunset
- Schedule walks earlier in the evening
- Secure doors, windows, and fences
- Set up a quiet, enclosed safe space
- Close curtains and play steady background noise
- Stay home with dogs during peak fireworks hours
- Ensure collars, tags, and microchips are current
Dogs with a history of noise anxiety may benefit from calming wraps, pheromone products, or veterinarian-approved medications prescribed in advance.
Signs of Severe Stress
Shaking, pacing, heavy panting, drooling, destructive behavior, or repeated escape attempts may indicate extreme anxiety. Punishing fearful behavior can worsen fear responses and should be avoided.
With fireworks expected along much of the East Coast tonight, dog owners are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor pets closely through the early morning hours.
Does your dog struggle with fireworks? What helps them stay calm?
