'Tis the season to be jolly... or stressed out if you're a sensitive pooch!
Avoid merry meltdowns and emergency vet visits with SoGlos's handy hot list, where we collaborate with the experts at Cotswold RAW to share eight top tips for keeping your dog calm this Christmas – from gifting them new chews to managing excitable children.
Make sure they have a quiet space to retreat to
Some pets adore the festive chaos, while others find it overwhelming.
It's important to remember, during all the merriment, that the music, loud chatter and cracker bangs can cause anxiety in pets, so the best advice is to create a designated quiet space, complete with their bed and blankets, which offers a place to decompress when needed.
Stick to their routines closely
Christmas is an ideal time to take a break from the usual day-to-day responsibilities, but dogs will still expect their routines – and slipping on a schedule could lead to a stressed or unhappy pooch.
Taking your dog out for their regular walks allows them time outside of the busy home and a peaceful stroll also burns off excess energy, helping them feel more relaxed. But if long walks aren’t possible on the big festive days, aim for shorter, more frequent outings to prevent pent-up energy.
Offer an enriching chew
Raw meaty bones or air-dried chews are a wonderful way to provide physical and mental stimulation.
Chewing releases endorphins and can help calm an anxious dog during this busier time of year. These chews are also useful for keeping your dog occupied while you’re entertaining guests or preparing your festive feast.
Use a pheromone plug-in
A dog pheromone diffuser can create an air of familiarity and security, helping nervous dogs feel more settled.
They can be set up in preparation for the big day and should be plugged in a few days before to allow the pheromones to properly kick in, especially if you’re expecting lots of visitors.
Don't leave them alone for too long
There’s lots of coming and going at Christmas and it can be easy to lose track of time.
Long periods alone can heighten anxiety for dogs, especially when there’s lots of deliveries and knocks on the door. If you've got to be out of the house for longer than usual, arrange for a friend or family member to pop in to offer some reassuring fuss.
Bring familiar scents travelling
The festive season often brings lots of travel, whether it be a cross-country trip to visit family or a winter holiday abroad.
If you do find you're spending Christmas away from home, make sure your dog’s bed, blankets and favourite toys are on the packing list. Familiar scents of home can help to reduce the stress that comes with new environments.
Manage excited children
The excitement of Christmas can send little ones into overdrive, which isn’t ideal for more sensitive dogs.
Take a moment to remind children to act calmly around pets and supervise playtime, to make sure dogs don’t become overwhelmed.
Watch out for toxic foods
Mince pies, Quality Street tins, gingerbread and Christmas puddings – there's so much to indulge in at Christmas. But it's necessary to be mindful that some of our seasonal treats can be dangerous to dogs.
Keep special festive food out of reach to avoid a potential emergency vet trip and stick to the nutritious dog-friendly treats they know and love; lots of which can be found at cotswoldraw.com.
