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Making Spirits Bright: Gift Your Dog a Calm Holiday

December 1st, 2024

The holiday season can be filled to the brim with wonderful, bright & merry cheer, but we also know it can include a cup of chaos, a spoonful of commotion, and a dash of pure craziness. It can’t be helped—there’s so much happening this time of year. Families and friends gather, gifts are exchanged, people celebrate their favorite traditions, and, of course, beautiful memories are made.

That said, if you feel stressed at any point over the next couple of months, chances are your dog feels it, too. While magical moments are happening all around us, the holiday season can be overwhelming for our furry sidekicks. We’re not channeling the Grinch here and telling you to cancel your holiday plans. Instead, we’re here to “gift” you a list of ideas to keep the festivities happy and joyous for everyone—furry or not. Honestly, some of this advice is an excellent reminder for us humans, too!

1. Keep With A Routine

Your dog loves the idea of knowing what their day looks like. They like to keep to a routine. Have you ever been 5 minutes late with their food? Their unblinking stare, right? See you get it. Routines keep everyone grounded and help ease the stress that naturally happens during the holidays that is often out of our control. Holiday parties, travel, or guests might disrupt your pet pal’s usual schedule. Stick to consistent feeding, walking, and play times to help them feel secure.

2. Create a Safe Space

Your dog will appreciate and take comfort in knowing that when needed, they can escape to a safe place for a bit of downtime. Think about when you need to take a moment. Doesn’t settling into your favorite chair with a book for 10 minutes make the world seem right again? The same holds true for your dog; designate a quiet area where they can retreat if things get too overwhelming.

This space can include their bed, favorite toys, and maybe a white noise machine to muffle loud celebrations. This “holiday hideaway” can offer them a sense of calm.

3. Prepare For Visitors

Between friends and family coming over, deliveries being made, or overnight house guests – lots of visitors and unfamiliar faces coming in and out of their home can feel uncomfortable for them; they naturally want to protect you and their domain. The end result could be a severely anxious dog, or they could feel so threatened that they become aggressive.
If you’re having someone new over to your house, try separating your pet from guests until everyone is settled in. Once you invite your pet to join you and your guests, allow your pet to make the first move. Letting them warm up to new faces on their terms helps ease any nervousness or fear.

And if your dog just can’t manage the stress of these new people, they can stay in their “holiday hideaway” while people come and go. It’s okay if they don’t want to be social; your guests won’t take it personally.

4. Watch the doors

Since we just talked about people traffic coming and going, it’s always good to be extra aware of your dog escaping. Even the best-trained dogs can sometimes get caught off guard and bolt right out the door, or the new puppy who wanders outside. As a precautionary step, you could always keep your leash by the front door and put it on before you answer. 

 

5. Consider the Décor

You know that dancing Santa you bought that seems so cute and fun? Well, for certain dogs, new and unfamiliar decorations can be alarming and even a little bit scary. This isn’t something they normally encounter in your house so it’s always best to let them slowly check these sorts of things out.  

And some holiday flair may look edible and can pose a risk to your jolly pal. Ingesting certain holiday decorations like tinsel can lead to serious digestive issues. The cords of twinkling lights can be
tempting as chew toys so be sure to keep them out of reach or be present when your pet is near them. Christmas trees are also prone to tipping over if your dog suddenly gets the zoomies. Consider securing your tree to the ceiling or a door frame with fishing line. There’s no need to channel your inner bah humbug – decorating is fine – just be careful to see it from your dog’s point of view.
Take these holiday-proofing ideas in mind. Maybe hang decorations a little higher, avoid glass ornaments, and use flameless candles as an alternative. Here’s a guide on how to dog proof your home.

6. Monitor Food and Treats

Everyone loves to get in the holiday spirit and sneak a little yummy goodness to our dogs under the table. We’ve all done it. Who can resist their little faces? But keep in mind holiday meals often include ingredients toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, onions, and raisins. It’s a good reminder (and table manners) to ask your guests not to serve up table scraps to your dog. This is the perfect time of year to stock up on some dog-friendly holiday treats they can have so they can feel included in your holiday feast.

7. Exercise Before Festivities

Sometimes walks fall to the wayside when the holiday’s approach – people get busier, and there are more commitments you are tied to, but walking your dog should be a priority, especially to help them get all that energy out before guests arrive or if you are leaving for the night. A tired dog is a calm and content dog!

8. Include Them in Festivities

Who doesn’t love a fun photo op with their dog all dressed up in their holiday best? Include them in family traditions that they’ll enjoy, like opening a special dog-friendly gift, taking them on a family walk to look at holiday lights, building a little snowman or getting cozy by the fire with a cup of cocoa and a pup cup for them.

Check out some of our Holiday Tradition ideas! 

9. Watch for Signs of Stress

When your dog is stressed, they will show you the signs. Take a moment to check in on them between all the hustle and bustle. Although our pets can’t tell us they’re stressed, their behavior can indicate it. 

Here are some subtle signs that your dog may be feeling those holiday stresses:

  • Incessant grooming
  • Licking their lips and noses
  • Giving you a side-eye or “whale eye”
  • Loss of appetite
  • Less social
  • Suddenly hiding under furniture or blankets
  • House trained pets may start having accidents
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Growling, snapping or biting
  • Increased barking or whining

 

The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, sparkle, and yes, a little chaos—but with some thoughtful planning and extra care, your dog can enjoy the magic right alongside you.

After all, the holidays are better with your best furry friend by your side Here’s to making lasting, wonderful memories together this holiday season!

 

Are you working on your dog’s resolutions for the New Year? Maybe it’s off leash, recall, tackling separation anxiety or just basic etiquette – Happy Hound offers several training programs and options that is just the right fit for you and your dog.