The holiday season is a lot busier than any other time of year. There are more parties and gatherings to enjoy, sparkling gifts to wrap, and twinkling lights to hang. It’s truly a time of year to celebrate the people we love, the reason for the season, and yes – our furry friends, too!
But there’s a catch: no matter what you have going on, you need to remember that major changes in routine can be a huge source of stress for your dog. What you perceive as a party and the best day of the year can make him feel like his entire world is changing, and that can be really unsettling.
With a little planning, you can make sure they’re just as happy as you are throughout the season by taking these easy canine anti-stress steps. We’ll show you how.
Consider Your Dog’s Normal Routine
Your dog is used to a routine —- AM and PM trips outside, certain mealtimes, walks, and playtime. Suddenly putting those things to the side because you have a late dinner or party to attend isn’t exactly fair to your pup. They’ll feel confused by the lack of attention and routine. Sometimes, this can lead to behavioral issues, including chewing or getting into things they usually leave alone.
So what can you do? Consider hiring help during busy weeks or when you travel. This can be a great way to fill small gaps, especially if the person who comes over happens to be someone they know and love already (like a family member).
It’s okay to have someone stop by your house to let your dog out and give them food, but only as a once-in-a-while solution. Your dog will still be lonely if they only interact with someone for just a few minutes each day. For extended periods out of town, or when you know you’ll be away, consider a doggie daycare or kennel. Or, link up with a friend who has a dog and take turns dog sitting for each other!
Travel & Outside Adventures
The holiday season is especially hectic; with people rushing about, going outside can be more dangerous than usual to your dog. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and have your vet or breeder arrange for micro-chipping. Dogs accidentally left unattended outside may become bored and wander, even in a fenced-in yard, leading them to become lost or even critically injured if they’re hit by a car.
Unfortunately, dishonest people who won‘t think twice about snatching a dog to keep or give as a holiday gift are also worrisome. There have been instances of this in many cities just before Christmas – in some cases, dogs were taken directly out of the backyard or off of the front steps.
The solution? Stay safe and never leave your dog unattended, full stop.
Traveling with your dog? Walk him on a leash, no matter how well-trained he is. Sudden noises, accidents, and odd events can startle your dog and send them running, especially in busy rest areas along the highway.
When traveling in a vehicle, always secure your dog in place. You can achieve this goal by using a leash attachment on your car’s seat belts, a harness, or by placing your dog into a create. Harnesses and crates reduce the likelihood of injury just as seat belts do for humans
Holiday Parties & Events
If you’re tempted to take your pup to parties and special events, give it a second thought before you decide. This may be normal protocol during the rest of the year, but holiday parties are very often much more louder and way more crowded. A dog who gets along just fine on a normal day may find holiday celebrations overwhelming or even terrifying.
Hosting at your own house? The same advice applies. Your dog may be the perfect host on a regular day, but the extra activity could tip him over the point of comfort and even lead to snapping or biting if he’s forced to socialize. Make sure you have a quiet space set aside where your dog can rest. Include a crate or bed, warm and familiar blankets, food, water, and a TV or some other source of distracting noise. Create this safe space in an area of the house set away from holiday foot traffic — not on the direct route to the bathroom or kitchen. If nothing else, it will provide a good place to have a nap now and again.
Food & Goodies
Holiday foods and treats are delicious, but they can make your dog sick leading to a stressful visit to the vet. Do your best to limit your dog’s exposure to foods, especially if they’re fatty, sugary, or potentially toxic to canines… especially if they are already a known food-snatcher!
Table scraps often seem harmless during holiday meals; unfortunately, items like turkey skin and gravy can actually cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, leading to nausea, vomiting, or full-on pancreatitis. Make sure your guests know to keep their beverages, especially coffee and alcohol, out of reach of your dog. Sugary treats may contain xylitol as sweetener — a known toxin to dogs. Chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the worse it is), grapes, raisins, and other common holiday goodies can also cause major issues.
Seasonal Flowers & Plants
Believe it or not, certain holiday plants can be toxic to your dog. Some dogs are curious and want to nibble at those vibrant green leaves only to spend the next few hours throwing up. Sure, this is unpleasant, but it isn’t the biggest risk from plants. Some, like holly, amaryllis, and lilies, are toxic enough to cause a wide variety of gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. Mistletoe berries, for example, can kill a dog after just a few small bites. Your best bet is to replace live greens with artificial plants for the season.
While dogs aren’t as likely to climb the Christmas tree as cats are, they can still become curious and topple it over. Tie your tree down by attaching it to the ceiling or the wall so they can’t knock it over during play. Hide electrical cords to prevent chewing and avoid using tinsel or ribbon, both of which can get stuck in the intestines and cause a blockage. The result will be a stressful trip to the vet and a every expensive surgery.
This time of year is busy for us humans, but for your dog, it’s just the same old kind of day. They aren’t busy with office parties and family gatherings; instead, they see everyday as a party when you’re around. Keep your schedule as close to normal as possible and make sure your loyal companion is getting the love and attention they deserve throughout the season. It‘ll relieve their feelings of anxiety and stress.