The winter holidays are nearly upon us again, and with them are all the fun celebrations! Many pet owners love sharing this time of year with their loyal companions. Keep the holidays fun for everyone with these tips on how to prepare your dog for the holiday season.
Reevaluate Your Decorations
If this is the first time celebrating the holidays with your furry friend, you’ll want to ensure all small or delicate decorations remain out of their reach. A wagging tail could knock figurines off end tables, and some items may look to them like a perfect chew toy. It’s also important to note that many winter plants, like poinsettias, are poisonous to animals if ingested, so keep those seasonal flowers away from your pet.
Like decorations and flowers, many also put candy in a decorative dish. These are treats to us, and your pet may mistakenly assume it’s for them too. Candy and chocolate can make your dog sick or worse, so keep these on the counter, and you won’t have to worry.
Carefully Consider Sharing Food
Trust me, sharing a bit of your holiday feast with your pet is tempting. After all, your furry friend is a family member, too, and it’s hard to say “no” to those big eyes. But highly fatty foods are unhealthy, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions. Most vets advise against giving dogs too much fat because they can be hard to digest and may make your pet sick shortly after eating.
Y’all also need to know what ingredients are and are not pet-friendly. Plenty of pet parents share some turkey, steamed carrots, and mashed potatoes with their pups, and all of this is canine-approved. However, other ingredients like onions, garlic, nutmeg, and some nuts can make your pet ill. Avoid giving your pup a holiday meal until after consulting your vet about what’s safe.
Have a Plan Early On
A plan is essential whether you’re a guest or hosting holiday parties. If y’all attend one, ask whether your pet can come and if so, keep an eye on them. Remember, your pup needs to mind their manners like any other guest. However, if your pet must stay home, consider getting a pet sitter or boarding them overnight, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lonely.
If y’all plan to host a holiday gathering, ensure your pup has good manners. Your dog shouldn’t jump on people when they come in. I love my dog, but the last thing I want is to see him zooming around the family room while everyone gathers. You may want to sign up for obedience classes before the holidays.
Pro Tip
If your pup is pacing, panting, or trying to hide, this could signify that they’re too stressed. Help get your dog out of the situation and into a quiet area where you can sit with your pooch until they start displaying their normal behavior. Knowing how to prepare your pet for the holiday season becomes much easier when you have a plan. The holidays are best when everyone feels comfortable.
