Ways To Reduce Your Dog’s Stress During the Holidays

Christmas bells are a-ringing, which marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of year! While the holidays are filled with shopping preparations, joyous celebrations, and festive decorations, however, they can also bring major stress to our furry companions.

The winter holiday season can be overwhelming for pups, but there are many ways to reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pets. Here are some tips you can employ to support your dog during the holidays.

Make a Private Space

Loud family gatherings and boisterous parties can be overwhelming for dogs, especially if your pet can get overly excitable with more than a few people in the house. Your dog may even be tempted to wolf down on plates of holiday food, which can disrupt a gathering and cause an upset tummy.

Take some time to make a comfortable, pet-friendly space for your dog. Allow your dog to recharge and have breaks from festivities in a quiet area of the home. With this, make sure to still keep your dog stimulated with a favorite toy.

Prepare Before Traveling

If you’re planning to spend the Christmas season with friends or family, make sure to check with the hosts in advance as to how your pup can participate in the festivities. Some hosts may have certain restrictions, such as whether dogs can stand on furniture or roam around the house, especially if they’re not used to animals or have allergies. You don’t want your dog to feel left out in a strange environment.

You can also ask whether there will be other types of animals in the house you’ll be staying at. If the hosts also own dogs, assess whether they are friendly and interact well with other dogs. If you feel you can’t bring your dog along with you, make sure to hire a reliable pet sitter that they’re comfortable with.

Keep Up a Routine Filled With Dog-Centered Activities

Dogs adore a well-managed schedule, and so the business of the holidays with all the traveling, guests, and decorating can disrupt their everyday routine. One thing you can do to try to reduce their stress is to maintain your routine as much as possible — especially feeding time, walk time, and bedtime!

There are also lots of fun ways to insert your dog’s presence into the holiday celebrations! You can invite your friends and family for walks around the neighborhood or local parks. Holiday treats and snacks are also the perfect ways to keep your beloved pet satisfied — your dog’s happiness is the gift that just keeps on giving!

Designate a Reliable Person

Make sure to assign at least one person within the household to be responsible for your dog when the festivities get a little too stressful. The holidays are known for loud noises and fireworks, which can spook more timid canines. Make sure to instruct the individual on duty to give your dog a break far from open doors or pointed decorations.