12/13/2023
Do you have a dog with holiday stress?
Here are 12 Tips to help your dog with holiday stress!
1. Stick to your routine.
Try to stay with your normal routine as much as possible. With all the activity going on, it's easy to skip a walk, be late with feeding a meal or forget about a potty break, but our dogs love their routines and some get stressed when too many things are out of sync with their normal schedule. Also, be sure not to confuse your dog by relaxing the canine house rules.
2. Provide Balance.
Dogs need both exercise and mental stimulation as well as downtime and rest. Make sure they get a balanced ratio of both even if you have a houseful of guests and a busy schedule.
3. Take a timeout.
When things get chaotic for you or your dog, find a quiet place to relax and take a break together. Our dogs pick up on our anxiety, so if you're frazzled, chances are your dog will also be affected by your state of mind.
4. Exercise your dog.
Dogs need their daily walks or high-energy playtime so they don't become frustrated or destructive. A daily walk goes a long way to reduce stress levels and overexcitement in dogs. If you're too busy, enlist the help of someone you trust to walk your pup.
5. Spend quality time with your dog.
Whether it's going for a walk, playing together, or settling down to give you pup a belly rub, spend a little quality time each day with your dog to give them a sense of their normal routine.
6. Skip the festive dog attire.
If your dog isn't a big fan of wearing holiday clothing or accessories, give them a break this year and allow them to enjoy being "au naturel". Some dogs don't mind getting dressed up, but most prefer the freedom of just sporting their natural fur coats.
7. Provide a safe place.
Make sure your dog has an area of the house to retreat to if they get overwhelmed, especially during parties. If your dog becomes stressed, a crate or quiet room is the perfect place for them to feel safe and unwind. Giving your dog a timeout can help relieve stress, but if your pup doesn't like being alone, toss in a frozen, peanut butter kong or bone to keep them occupied for awhile.
8. Watch the little ones.
Yes, the kids! Grabby or rambunctious children and tired dogs are not a good combination. Parents should keep a close eye on their kids, but ultimately it's your responsibility to prevent a dog bite. Young kids and dogs shouldn't be alone together during a party or gathering. You can always keep your dog on a leash to make it easier to supervise them around kids.
9. Monitor your dog's diet.
We're not the only ones that gain weight during the holidays. Our dogs can put on a few extra pounds too. Those little beggars are getting handouts left and right and some people might not realize which foods are dangerous for dogs. Avoid the additional stress of your dog getting an upset stomach by keeping a close eye on what they eat. Also, be sure to keep their water bowl filled and prevent your dog from getting into the trash.
10. Avoid holiday hazards.
If you have a dog that finds trouble or likes to eat all sorts of items, avoid poisonous holiday plants, lighted candles, and small or strings-type decorations that could be ingested. Also, live christmas trees can pose a hazard for some dogs.
11. Watch the doors.
Between the package deliveries and guests coming and going, there will be plenty of opportunities for a curious pup to slip outside. Although it's usually a guest that lets the dog outside, consider using a leash on your dog if you're worried they might slip out and potentially get lost.
12. Don't force your dog to participate.
If your dog's uncomfortable in a particular situation or when meeting people, don't force them to interact. Allow them to approach if and when they're ready. If a guest shows up with their dog, don't force your dog to greet or play with the other dog if they're resistant.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Stressed:
Dogs, just like people, handle stress in different ways. Some dogs withdraw, some become clingy, some may show signs of anxiety, and others might display destructive behavior. As you keep a close eye on your pup during the holidays, watch for these common signals that your dog might be stressed or overloaded.
- Lip Licking
- Yawning
- Wide eyes or hard stares
- Raised hackles
- Stiff body
- Shaking or trembling
- Tuckered tail or cowering
- Attempting to hide or retreat
- Pacing
- Panting
- Excessive Barking
- Growling, snapping or biting
The holidays are crazy as they are wonderful so having a strategy to deal with stress will help both you and your dog. When things get especially hectic, my favorite way to unwind is to cuddle up with my pup Bella and give her some extra love. It quickly helps to destress both of us and it works wonders for renewing our energy and spirits. So, during this holiday season when your dogs tend to get less attention and exercise, give your dog the gift of bones, treats, toys, or some extra belly rubs. It just might be their favorite gift this year
How do you help your dog with the holiday stress? Share your tips in the comments!