At a time when the majority of us are glued to our television screens to see if our national team is winning their matches and progressing in the World Cup, do you ever stop to think about how the atmosphere can affect our pets? There can often be a lot of screaming and shouting as fans can get very involved in the matches and you never know what can happen from one minute to the next.

the combination of cheering, shouting, sudden celebrations, doorbells, visitors and changes to routine can create a stressful environment for many dogs, particularly those that are sensitive to noise or unfamiliar situations. That’s according to Years who are one of the UK’s leading fresh dog food brands.

The warning comes as millions of households will have been tuning in to the group stages of this year’s tournament to find out who will get through to the knock out stages. There have been many surprise packages this year including the likes of Cape Verde and Japan with Cape Verde shocking everyone by earning a historic draw against Spain and are now on the verge of reaching the last 32.

Elsewhere Japan has emerged as a major dark horse following past tournament giant-killing and a strong start against the Netherlands.

Darren Beale, CEO of Years, says many owners don’t realise how overwhelming major sporting events can be for dogs.

“While we might see the World Cup as a fun social occasion, dogs often experience it very differently. Sudden shouting, people jumping up from their seats, extra guests in the home and disrupted routines can all be confusing or stressful for some pets.

Every dog is different. Some will happily snooze through a match, while others may become unsettled by the noise and activity around them.”

For those keen-eyed dog owners who want to ensure that their pets stay as healthy and relaxed as possible, there can be many signs to look out for which can indicate if man’s best friend is starting to feel stressed and anxious. These can include:
Panting when they are not hot- this could mean they are feeling anxious or nervous
Pacing around the room- this means they are having difficulty settling
Hiding under furniture- this indicates they are seeking safety
Excessive barking- Reacting to noise or excitement
Lip licking or yawning- Stress signals often missed by owners

Following owners constantly- Looking for reassurance

Five ways to help your dog during the World Cup
1. Create a quiet retreat
Give your dog access to a separate room, crate or quiet area where they can escape the noise if they choose.

2. Keep routines consistent
Try to stick to normal walking, feeding and bedtime routines, even on match days.

3. Use background sound
Leaving a radio, television or calming music on in another room can help mask sudden cheers and celebrations.

4. Provide enrichment
Lick mats, puzzle feeders and long-lasting chews can help redirect attention and encourage relaxation.

5. Warn guests in advance
Not every dog enjoys being the centre of attention. Ask visitors to give your dog space and allow them to approach people on their own terms.

Darren added:

“One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming their dog enjoys the party simply because they’re in the room. Many dogs stay close to their owners for reassurance, not because they’re comfortable with what’s happening.

The best approach is to let your dog choose how involved they want to be. If they prefer a quiet room away from the football, that’s absolutely fine.”

Dogs and football don’t always mix
The team at Years notes that major sporting tournaments often create unusual environments for pets. Fireworks, car horns, garden gatherings, late nights and increased household activity can all contribute to anxiety in some dogs.

“Football should be enjoyable for everyone in the household, including our dogs,” Darren said.

“A few simple adjustments can make a huge difference and help ensure your pet stays comfortable throughout the tournament.”