Christmas is a special time of year. We get to spend time with our loved ones and kick back and relax (well, in theory, anyway!). However, the change of routine that comes with the holiday season can actually be quite disruptive to dogs and cause them some stress and anxiety. To ensure your pampered pooch has a good time as you and the rest of the family, follow a few simple yet effective tips.
Stick to Routines
Most people have relatively consistent routines every week when it comes to things like going to work, exercising, eating, etc. The same is true of feeding and spending time with dogs. Once the holiday period hits and things are different, with more time spent away from home or with more people visiting the house, dogs can get upset about all the change.
To help your pooch out, stick to routines wherever you can. Try to feed and exercise them at roughly the same times, and give them attention as you usually would. Try not to leave them alone for entire days if that’s not something they’re generally used to.
If you’re going to be having many people visiting your property and your dog isn’t used to that, make sure you introduce them to the new people slowly, if possible. Instruct your visitors on some basic dos and don’ts, too, that will make your pet feel less scared, intimidated, or protective over you and the home. For example, ensure visitors don’t pat dogs too much if they don’t like it, or let young children rush at the animals if they’re not used to being around little ones.
Check On Them
If you do need to be out a lot more than average over the Christmas period, or if you’ll be flat out at home cooking, entertaining, and taking care of other tasks, make care arrangements. Have a neighbor, younger relative, or even outsourced carer pop by to check in on your dog and give them attention. Also, make sure your pet has enough food and water and doesn’t get neglected when it comes to exercise and being let outside to go to the toilet.
Keep in mind that you might be able to involve your pet in some of the fun indoor and outdoor activities you and your family and friends get up to. This way, the dog won’t get too bored and will feel a part of the action, which has the added benefit of reducing separation anxiety.
Have Santa Visit Them Too
It’s fun giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time, so why not let your dog get in on the action, too? {ets love getting new goodies just like humans do. Buy them some of their favorite treats as special snacks on the day (but don’t go overboard with these), and let them have a blast with some new toys.
Plus, why not take Christmas as an excellent opportunity to update essentials? For instance, invest in quality, luxury dog beds, clothes, bowls, leads, or collars. There are even many tech-based feeding systems, activity stations, or interactive cameras to consider.
Let Them Rest
Many dogs get overwhelmed by all the noise and extra energy brought to their home environment during Christmas due to general excitement and an increase in visitors. It’s vital, then, to let your animal have enough time to rest. Ensure they have a quiet spot to retreat to when they need to sleep and generally get away from the chaos.
If they’re usually an inside dog that spends a lot of time with you, you may want to put them in the laundry or bedroom, etc., for some periods during the holidays so they can get proper shuteye. You mustn’t let them get too overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Be Wary About the Food They Eat
There’s a lot of extra food around the home during the merry season, not to mention scraps dropped on the ground at parks, the beach, and other places you might head to with your pet. Be vigilant about what your dog eats over this period to ensure they don’t get sick or pile on too much extra holiday weight.
Watch out for dangerous items such as fatty meat, sultanas, grapes, chocolate, avocado, macadamias, and even some plants and flowers. Let visitors to your home know what they shouldn’t feed your dog, too. Many people think they’re treating animals but don’t realize that humans can eat things that aren’t suitable for animals.
Plus, stop your pet from chewing tree lights, Christmas decorations, compost, human toys, batteries, and other bits and pieces that might be accessible to them at this time of year. Dogs are interested in new, novel things, so they often try to eat goods we wouldn’t expect.
There’s no reason why our beloved animals shouldn’t have fun just like us over the festive period. Follow the tips above to help your dog enjoy the jolly season too.
