The holidays are upon us yet again and through the chaos of planning, travelling, shopping, and entertaining, your dog’s needs may be forgotten. Not in a neglectful way but in unexpected challenges based on the holiday chaos. Your not the only one that could get stressed during this festive yet crazy time of the year. The Beach Dog has organized a few key things to consider for your dog this holiday season. We hope this helps you to plan ahead, omit some stress, and help you and your dog prepare for a successful holiday season.
Holidays at Home
It’s sometimes easy to overlook mishaps where your dog is concerned when your staying home for the holidays. Just because your dogs routine may not be changing doesn’t mean small shifts in routine couldn’t turn into bigger stressors. One of the biggest issues is having company or family gatherings. This can be an easily unforeseen mishap because while you feel like its routine, as usual, having other people in your dog’s environment means the opposite. Having Company often means your door is open and possible unattended twice as often as normal. It means more foot traffic in and around your home, and it means rules that are strictly enforced in your normal environment may be overlooked with family and friends. For example, having kids at family gatherings can almost guarantee food and snacks are at your dogs level. Watch out for chocolate! The easiest way to ensure nothing goes wrong is to make sure your dog has a designated quiet place during gatherings. If your dog sleeps in a crate then put the crate in a quiet room. Add his or her favorite toys, and check on him or her periodically so they don’t feel abandoned. If your dog is used to Cesar Millan’s story time for separation anxiety, then be sure to play their favorite book. Lastly, don’t forget that dogs hear sounds at a much greater volume than humans, try to keep indoor voices and music at a comfortable level.
Holiday Travelling
Check to make sure your dog’s microchip is functioning properly. This is a simple task. Contact your local dog officer and plan a trip to have your dog’s microchip scanned. One of the most commonly overlooked and highly stressful occurrences is a lost dog when travelling. Having a microchip that is functioning and updated with the proper information can eliminate a very stressful mishap. Remember, your dog will be in strange surroundings so should they get lost or escape finding them won’t be an easy task. The other upside is having the local dog officer in the loop. A good dog officer will be ready and available should another town or state contact them with your dog’s microchip information. So if your planning on travelling then a microchip scan and an update is an important thing to consider for your dog this holiday season
If your travelling without your dog then preparing accommodations well ahead of time for boarding or sleepovers can help reduce separation anxiety for both you and your dog. The stress of separation will be hard enough for both you and your dog, so be prepared for the transition will lessen the tension so you can say your goodbyes without rushing.
More Things to Consider for your Dog this Holiday Season
- Tinsel can be a choking hazard
- Electrical outlets and lighting wires
- Chocolate
- Securely anchor your Christmas tree
- Avoid real greenery; Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettias are poison to your dog
For more tips refer to the ASPCA website and visit the Beach Dog blog page for helpful tips on a variety of topics.
From our dogs to yours, we hope you have a fun and safe holiday season.
Happy Holidays from The Beach Dog
