Eggnog for dogs on New Year's Eve: Martin Rütter's tip splits opinions

Created: 12/13/2022, 8:00 p.m

Many animals react in panic to the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Dog professional Martin Rütter has a special tip: give your four-legged friend a sip of eggnog.

Firecrackers, spinning tops or rockets - fireworks on New Year's Eve are a tradition for many people.

However, for pet owners, and especially their pets, the deafening noise is extremely stressful.

Because many fur noses react in panic to the loud noises that they cannot classify.

But dog professional Martin Rütter has advice: A pin with eggnog helps to calm him down.

Eggnog for dogs on New Year's Eve: Martin Rütter's tip splits opinions

According to Martin Rütter, a pinch of eggnog is said to have a calming effect on dogs on New Year's Eve.

(Iconic image) © Gottfried Czepluch/Imago

Most owners and veterinarians clasp their hands over their heads at the thought of giving alcohol to their dog.

After all, it is considered harmful.

Just remember the impressive effect of the fermented cherries that Michel from Lönneberga fed to the animals on the farm.

It took them several hours to sleep off their "high".

Meanwhile, the family was very worried.

However, it is not about filling your dog with liters of hard liquor.

"It is clear to me that alcohol is poisonous for dogs," Martin Rütter clarifies in an RTL video.

Nevertheless, a "shot of eggnog" can have a calming effect on a panicked dog on New Year's Eve.

He is well aware that there will most likely be criticism for this statement.

But the dog trainer doesn't let that deter him: "When they have a pinch of eggnog, they slow down a bit and are therefore a bit cooler.

They simply sleep more soundly.” It is all about the right dosage, which should by no means be too high.

Eggnog for dogs on New Year's Eve: According to the vet, the dosage depends on the weight

Veterinarian Ralph Rückert from Ulm, whose work Martin Rütter appreciates very much, is of the opinion that a small amount of eggnog can relieve the fear of extremely panicked dogs.

He explains the reasons for this in an article on his website.

In it he also gives a formula for the dosage - but without guarantee and at his own risk.

"With a maximum of 0.4 grams of alcohol per kilogram of body weight, however, we remain miles away from the area in which health risks could be imagined," writes the veterinarian.

• Dog weight up to 25 kilograms:

  body weight in kg x 0.4 x 100 / percent of the alcohol = total amount in ml.

• Dog weight from 26 kg to 50 kg:

  body weight in kg x 0.3 x 100 / percent of alcohol = total amount in ml.

• Weight of the dog from 50 kilograms:

  body weight in kg x 0.2 x 100 / percent of the alcohol = total amount in ml.

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According to Rückert, dog owners should divide the total amount of the alcoholic beverage into two to three smaller portions.

Ideally, the doses should be given two hours apart, with the last dose being given half an hour before midnight.

The veterinarian illustrates this with an example: "A 15 kg dog gets a 20 percent eggnog according to the following recommendation: 15 kilograms (body weight) x 0.4 x 100 / 20 (alcohol content in percent of the eggnog) = 30 milliliters of eggnog.

One tablespoon (about 15 milliliters) at 9:30 p.m. and another at 11:30 p.m..”

However, dog owners should under no circumstances give their four-legged friends alcohol to calm them down, not even in the smallest doses, without first consulting their veterinarian.

Because every dog ​​reacts differently, and only an expert who has examined the animal can correctly assess the situation.

Some experts also advise against calming the dog down with eggnog.

In the worst case, alcohol can even be fatal for dogs.

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Eggnog for dogs on New Year's Eve: medication only in emergencies

If you still feel uneasy about giving your pet alcohol, you can calm it down with a few simple tricks on New Year's Eve.

If none of this helps, medication can help the animal in exceptional cases.

“Psychotropic drugs do not cure and are not a permanent solution.

But certain preparations, including dietary supplements, can alleviate the acute stress on New Year's Eve and help the dog (or cat) get through the night," writes the Society for Animal Behavior Medicine and Therapy in a statement.

If you have any questions about this, dog owners should definitely consult their veterinarian.