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Including your dog in festive holiday celebrations is all part of the fun of the season. However, your dog might not be feeling the same holiday spirit as you. At the end of the year, things don鈥檛 look, sound, or even smell like they usually do, and that can cause canine confusion and anxiety. Problem behaviors tend to flare up, and there are many dangers and stressors to be aware of. To make sure your dog enjoys the merriment as much as you do, here are some holiday safety tips.
Be Aware of Holiday Dangers
Decorating the house is a holiday tradition for many families, but the change in scenery can be stressful and even dangerous for dogs. Water in the Christmas tree reservoir and some plants, such as poinsettias, can potentially cause vomiting or diarrhea if they鈥檙e consumed. Ornaments and tinsel pose a choking hazard, and strings of lights mean exposed wires running through the house, which are dangerous if your dog decides to chew on them. Puppy-proof your house during the holidays, just as you did when you first brought your dog home, keeping an eye out for possible dangers.
Avoid Tummy Troubles
Food can be a big part of the holidays. Sharing table scraps with your dog might seem harmless, but rich, fatty, or spicy foods might upset your dog鈥檚 stomach, particularly if they鈥檙e not used to them. Be sparing with the tidbits or forgo them altogether and instead consider making your dog their very own special homemade doggie treats.
Some common holiday foods can be toxic to dogs. Chocolate is a favorite treat for people, but can cause serious problems for your dog, even in small amounts. And fruitcake, a seasonal delicacy, may contain dried fruits like raisins. Raisins and grapes can cause serious damage to your dog鈥檚 kidneys, even in small doses. Don鈥檛 let your dog get into the turkey carcass because cooked bones can easily splinter into dangerous fragments. Keep all food, treats, and edible gifts out of reach of your dog, rather than under the tree or on the coffee table. Before the holidays, be sure to brush up on your dog鈥檚 鈥�Leave It鈥� cue.
Manage the Hustle and Bustle
There is often extra activity and commotion at this time of year with family and friends dropping by to socialize. You might also find your doorbell constantly ringing as a result of packages and additional mail deliveries. These extra callers, particularly those who are unfamiliar, can set an anxious dog on edge or overwhelm an easily excited one.
Teaching your dog to go to their crate or lie on their bed can be helpful. It gives your dog a quiet place to relax and escape from the noise and fuss. It鈥檚 also impossible for them to get into mischief, such as counter-surfing or begging, if they鈥檙e lying on their bed or relaxing in their crate. Be sure to give them a nice or stuffed to keep them happy while they stay in their special place. If you鈥檙e still working on your dog鈥檚 front door manners, this is a good time to bring out a dog gate to block their access and prevent them from practicing bad behaviors, such as jumping on guests.
Beat the Stress
Dogs are creatures of routine, and the holidays bring many changes to their daily life. Along with the added comings and goings, the environment transforms. Furniture might be moved to accommodate a holiday display or the dog鈥檚 toys and pushed aside for more space for guests. Walks and playtime can fall to the wayside as you tackle your holiday to-do list. All of this can add up to a dog that is confused and distressed. You might find your dog acting up for attention or becoming more irritable with things they used to take in stride.
Do your best to minimize your dog鈥檚 stress and stick to their usual routine as much as possible. Keeping them mentally and physically exercised will help keep them calm and ensure that their needs continue to be met. For serious distress, speak to your veterinarian. Calming supplements or a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser might also help lower your dog鈥檚 anxiety. If you can keep your dog safe and stress-free, they鈥檒l be able to enjoy the holiday season as much as you do.