Christmas can be a busy time for us and our dogs. Seeing family and friends, whether hosting guests or visiting others, travelling and changes in routine alongside increased excitement and potential for less sleep can all affect how our dogs might feel at different times over the festive period.
In turn, with all the hustle and bustle, we might find ourselves juggling more than normal and finding it harder to stick to the training or management strategies we normally use throughout the rest of the year.
Planning ahead can help keep things more calm and relaxed for our dogs.
We can ensure they have a dedicated safe space to go to if they need some down time or to sleep, away from busy rooms and visitors. Children may need to be reminded to leave dogs alone when in their safe space or sleeping (Remember: children and dogs should always be supervised when around each other, whatever the time of year).
Plan to have some quieter days throughout the holiday, so your dog has chance to relax and reset.
If you know your dog can sometimes struggle in certain situations, be aware that their tolerance levels of these situations (and potentially others!) may be less than normal, especially if they are tired or struggle with changes in their routine for example.
The festive season can also bring additional hazards such as foods, plants and decorations. Chocolate, raisins and alcohol are all toxic to dogs, as well as some plants, while decorations and things such as children’s toys for example could also cause big problems if chewed or swallowed, so it’s important to be vigilant and keep things out of reach of your furry friend.
Hopefully, with a little forward planning and being mindful of our dogs’ individual needs, the festive season can be an enjoyable time for the whole family!
How will you be keeping your dog happy and safe during the festive period?
All for Woofs 