Here are some tools to help your dog better prepare for the holidays. These can help you and your dog have a stress-free Christmas.
Christmas can be a stressful time of year for many dogs. Many families and friends will gather together to enjoy the holiday fun. Our homes are usually a peaceful place for our pets, but Christmas often means big changes.
The Kennel Club recently found that nearly a quarter of pet owners reported a change in their dog’s behavior over the festive period. Suddenly, our peaceful home burst into life. A large tree, twinkling lights, decorations, wrapped gifts, excited children, and unfamiliar smells may suddenly appear in your home. All of these projects can cause stress. We often have unfamiliar visitors or people staying overnight in our home. This can also cause stress and anxiety in your dog. We’ll try to give you some tools to help your dog better prepare for the holidays.
Tips to help reduce family stress
- Change things gradually. For example, when decorating your home, do it step by step. This gives your dog a chance to adapt to changing circumstances. This can give you a great start to a stress-free Christmas.
- Dogs love routine. First, keep their usual walking and feeding schedules as this will put their mind at ease. Secondly, water and feed bowls should be placed in a quieter area of the house for easy access. Keep them away from all the guests and excitement.
- Guests may be keen to make friends with your dog. Make sure you encourage them to allow your dog to come to them on their own time.
- Create a safe place, such as a den or room, or even use a baby gate to separate a room or part of the house for your dog. Make sure you have a warm and comfortable bed inside. This ensures your dog has a place to retreat to when he wants to escape a stimulus. Make sure there is fresh water and toys nearby to keep them occupied.
- Monitor room temperature, anxious dogs can easily overheat.
- Make sure visitors, especially excitable children, understand that dog-safe areas are off-limits. It is important that you leave your dog alone when they are in a safe place.
Travel Tips – How to Reduce Stress
If you’re planning on traveling with your dog over the festive period, it’s crucial to make sure they’re safe and don’t feel stressed or anxious.
- Bring toys and games to keep your dog occupied during the trip or when you arrive at your destination. Don’t suddenly change your routine and neglect your dog. If they are used to a lot of play and interaction, they can feel isolated. Take the time to make sure they have a normal level of interaction with you.
- Stick to their feeding and walking habits. Check in advance where you can take your dog for local walks, parks and sports venues.
- Carry all of your dog’s normal food, medications, and bedding with you. Your dog will then smell a familiar scent. Be sure to look up the phone number for your local emergency veterinarian, just in case.
Other ways to help you have a stress-free Christmas
There are a variety of stress relief options on the market that can further help your dog if you feel they need it. It is recommended that you consult your veterinary team before starting any new supplements.
Dog soothing pheromones are sold in various formulations that release chemical copies of the soothing pheromones produced by nursing mothers when they nurse their pups. It tells the dog that they are in a safe place and can relax. There is some evidence that this can reduce stress when combined with some of the methods already discussed.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year for us all and it’s important to remember the impact we can have on our dogs. Taking a few precautions early can ensure a fun and safe holiday season for the whole family.
