Fear of New Year's fireworks, with resulting anxiety crises and genuine states of panic, is a classic problem that afflicts many four-legged companions over the Christmas period. And owners often find themselves unprepared when faced with the terror that dogs and cats experience at these sudden, violent noises — which, given their extremely sensitive hearing, are far more disturbing for them than for us — leading to symptoms that can cause real worry and concern. Rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, trembling and agitation are just some of the consequences of bangers and firecrackers. Every year we witness the sad litany of dogs and cats that have run away, gone missing, or even leapt in terror from balconies and terraces in a desperate search for a safe refuge from the violent noises of New Year's Eve.

New Year's fireworks and firecrackers: what to do in practice

With a view to adequately preventing the problems associated with New Year's fireworks, there are steps that can be taken. For dogs, first and foremost, it is good practice to always have a microchip fitted. This small subcutaneous device is what makes it possible, in the event of escape or loss, to find the animal again as quickly as possible. Another important measure for a safe New Year's Eve is to close windows properly and lower the shutters to muffle the noise as much as possible. And never leave a dog or cat on balconies or terraces. From a behavioural standpoint, if a dog is very fearful and, when fireworks or loud noises occur, tends to run away and try to hide, the best approach is to ignore its behaviour, without watching it or trying to reassure it. In this case, in fact, reassurances would only serve to induce greater fear in the animal, which would thereby reinforce its insecurity, convinced that something truly terrible is about to happen. As a general rule, it is always best not to leave a dog or cat alone at home in these situations. Human presence and daily routines can, on their own, be enough to reassure a pet subjected to the stress of New Year's night.

Homeopathy for fireworks night

Nature and alternative medicine do, however, offer some important remedies for dispelling, or at least keeping under control, the fear of New Year's fireworks.

"In the case of anxiety crises in our animal companions triggered by the noise of firecrackers or fireworks, Bach flower remedies can be used. The main ones are Mimulus, Rock Rose and Cerato. Mimulus and Cerato should be given from the first days of December, adding Aspen if the animal is in a constant state of anxiety or alertness. In the last 3–4 days it is better to replace Mimulus with Rock Rose. On New Year's Eve the blend should be given at very frequent intervals (approximately every hour) and, if the state of agitation is severe, should be accompanied by the Rescue remedy or the Californian blend Fear Less, sprayed into the environment every few minutes," explains Dr Laura Cutullo, a veterinary surgeon specialising in flower therapy and homeopathy.

It should be noted that Bach or Californian flower remedies can be administered with equal effectiveness by mixing the compound using a dropper either into the drinking water or into the daily food of our animal companions. As regards herbal medicine, a compound based on hawthorn (which has relaxing and rebalancing effects on the nervous system), fig (which helps to dispel anxiety) and linden (the foremost herbal tranquilliser, with a mildly sedative effect) can be used. This "blend" can be administered a couple of hours before the fateful midnight and repeated as needed approximately every 8–10 hours.

In his book Curare il cane con l'omepatia, Hans Gunter Wolff writes that "for the bangs of New Year's Eve night, the ordeal inflicted on our dogs by loud and sudden noises can be prevented by giving Borax D3 a few days beforehand, one tablet three times a day."

Unicist homeopathy also prescribes certain remedies for disorders caused by "fright from fireworks" (it should be remembered, however, that only a careful veterinary consultation by a homeopathic vet will give rise to the "targeted" administration of a homeopathic remedy suited to the character of the household pet). First and foremost, Aconitum for all frights accompanied by agitation, anxiety and palpitations. Belladonna when the fear is accompanied by aggression with attempts to bite and scratch (especially in cats). Then Gelsemium, when the crisis is accompanied by trembling, possibly bouts of diarrhoea and a sense of exhaustion, and Phosphorus when the fear is intense and the animal seeks the company and closeness of its owner, showing itself reassured by human presence.

Read also: Tips for preventing your cat and dog from suffering hours of genuine anguish on New Year's night because of fireworks