Joy, happiness, laughter, and chaotic family gatherings. That pretty much sums up what the holiday season is for many. For your dog on the other hand, it’s most likely a stressful time.
From unfamiliar guests to tempting foods and decorations, there are a ton of potential hazards for pets during this time. Today, we’ll give you the go-to guide for keeping your dog safe, calm, and happy as you celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
Socializing Your Dog with Visitors
Your in-laws, the cousins you forgot existed, and many new faces are coming to your house for the holidays. For a dog, this can be extremely overwhelming - especially if they aren’t used to large groups or new faces.
To ensure the best experience for your dog, try some of the following:
Controlled Introductions
If your dog has the opportunity to meet each new person one-by-one in a calm environment it’ll go a long way. Let your dog approach at their own pace and avoid any sort of overwhelming behaviors at this time.
If there's another dog present , it is crucial to introduce them properly. Choose a neutral space (outdoors) so both dogs feel more at ease and less territorial. Before bringing the dogs together, walk them at a distance where they can be see and smell each other. Pay attention to each dog's body language.
Once they seem comfortable at a distance, you can gradually bring them closer. For first-time introductions, be sure to watch over the dogs as well as keep food, treats, and toys out of reach.
Safe, Private Spaces
Outside of the introductions, you should also establish a safe and quiet space for your dog to relax from all the distractions and interactions. In that space, make sure to pack it with their bed, toys, water, and food. Let your guests know not to disturb your dog too when they’re in that space.
Positive Reinforcement
When your dog is being calm, reward that behavior with treats, petting them, praises, and maybe even a belly rub. More times than not, this will make sure your dog associates new people with rewards.
Keeping Dogs Calm During Gatherings
Dogs like Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles get excited and we can’t control that. If not excited, they might get anxious in the presence of large gatherings.
To keep your dog calm during holiday gatherings, try some of the following:
Exercising Before Guests Arrive
You know what they say: a tired dog is a calm dog. Take your dog for a walk or play some fetch before the family festivities so they can burn off the excess energy.
Stick to a Routine
Dogs thrive on a routine. Try sticking to regular feeding times, walking times, and a regular bathroom schedule.
Calming Products
If your dog tends to get anxious during gatherings, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays, calming treats, or even anxiety vests to help soothe them.
Avoiding Hazardous Foods & Harmful Decorations
The holidays come with a lot of great snacks and food. However, some of which can be toxic to dogs. The same is true for some of the decorations you’re putting out during the holiday season.
Try steering clear of some of the following:
Toxic Human Foods for Dogs
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and some types of nuts are harmful to dogs. Make sure to keep these out of reach of the dog and make sure your guests know not to feed such things to your dog.
For more information, check out our blog on different types of Toxic Foods to Keep your Dogs Away From.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can be toxic to dogs. Make sure to keep any beverage out of reach of your dog.
Candles
Candles can have a lot of harmful effects on your dog. A lit candle can be knocked with a wag of a tail, which could lead to burns or even fires. Use flameless candles or keep them well out of your dog’s reach.
Christmas Tree & Decoration Dangers
Ornaments and tree water can be hazardous if ingested. Secure your tree to prevent it from knocking over and make sure your dog doesn’t have the impulse to just jump on your tree – as weird and odd it sounds.
Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs: General Rule of Thumb
While your head is most likely spinning from trying to coordinate everything going on between your family, there are some safety tips you can keep in mind which will go a long way:
Keep the Doors Closed. With people walking in and out, there’s a risk of your dog slipping out unnoticed. We don’t want a runaway, so make sure your doors are closed securely. To make things safer, try using baby gates to keep your dog contained.
ID and Microchip. In the case that your dog does escape, having them chipped will help you reunite with them as soon as possible.
By following these holiday safety tips for dogs, you can create a safer, more relaxed holiday environment for your dog. With a little preparation, your pup can enjoy the festive season just as much as the rest of the family!
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