As the twinkling lights start to glimmer and the aroma of mince pies fills the air, there’s no denying it – the festive season is upon us! And who better to share this magical time with than our furry best friends? But, hold your reindeers! Amidst the merriment, it’s crucial to ensure the safety and happiness of our furry friends.
Teaming up with Admiral and tapping into the expertise of Renee Rhoades MSc an acclaimed and Applied Animal Behaviourist, we’ve put together a treasure trove of tips and strategies. These aren’t just any tips; they’re golden nuggets of wisdom from those who know best, helping you and your dog navigate the festive season with ease and joy. Ready to dive into it? Let’s go!
Dog Friendly Decorations
When decorating your home, consider your dog’s safety. Opt for dog friendly ornaments by securing delicate decorations out of reach. Choose shatterproof ornaments and avoid tinsel, as these can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Additionally, secure electric cords and ornaments to prevent any potential chewing hazards.
Wrapping Up Fun
Unwrapping presents is a cherished holiday tradition, but it can turn hazardous if your dog decides to munch on ribbons, bows, or wrapping paper. To ensure their safety, supervise your dog during the present opening. Bonus: consider turning the leftover wrapping paper and boxes into an enrichment activity by hiding tasty treats inside and letting your dog “open” their own gifts.
Caution with Festive Feasts
While indulging in festive feasts, it’s essential to resist the temptation to share human food with your dog. Certain foods, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and spicy scraps, can be harmful to dogs and may lead to serious health issues. Remind guests not to feed your dogs without permission, and consider preparing special dog friendly treats to keep their tails wagging without compromising their well-being – saving a trip to the vet too!
Establish a Dog Friendly Retreat
The Christmas season often increases noise, people in the home, and general heightened activity, which can be overwhelming for some dogs. Set up a comfortable area with your dog’s essentials, creating a retreat where they can relax and recharge. Renee Rhoades recommends establishing a “Leave the Dog Alone Zone,” ensuring dogs have a stress-free space where they can relax or recuperate away from the hustle and bustle of the festivities.
Safe Lighting Options
While candles add warmth and ambiance to festive gatherings, they can pose risks, especially with wagging tails around. Opt for flameless LED candles to eliminate the risk of burns or knocked-over open flames. If you prefer traditional candles, ensure they are securely placed in holders and kept out of your dog’s reach. Never leave lit candles unattended to create a safer environment for your family and guests.
Ward off Bin Temptations
The Christmas season often brings an abundance of scrumptious and aromatic treats, making the rubbish bin an enticing target for your dog. Dispose of food scraps promptly in a securely lidded rubbish can to prevent your dog from rummaging through potentially harmful items. Foods like cooked bones, skewers, and discarded wrappers can pose choking hazards or lead to digestive issues so make sure to dispose of those immediately instead of leaving them in the bin.
Don’t Forget About Your Dog
The festive season can be a stressful time, lots of rushing around due to family, friend and work commitments so its easy to forget about our dogs needs – let alone our own! Ensure your dog’s schedule doesn’t deviate too much from the norm. Dogs, like us, can get stressed by sudden changes in their routines – especially when you don’t understand why the changes are happening. Take time out for your dog, take a walk, play games, provide enrichment activities. It will help keep you sane during such a hectic time too!
Notice Signs of Stress
Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of stress during festivities. Pacing, panting, trembling, or hiding may indicate discomfort. If you notice these signs, remove your dog from the situation and provide comfort. For those unfamiliar with canine body language, educational resources are available on Renee Rhoades’ social media channel (@r.plus.dogs), offering valuable insights into understanding and responding to a dog’s needs.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your dog exhibits signs of stress or anxiety during holiday gatherings, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A qualified behaviourist can provide valuable insights, and your veterinarian can offer options for situational medication to ease your dog’s strain. Don’t let your dog suffer in silence, there is help.
This festive season, make a conscious effort to prioritise your dog’s safety and well-being. By incorporating these tips into your Christmas preparations, you can create a joyful and stress-free environment for you and your canine companion!
About Renee Rhoades MSc
Renee Rhoades is an award-winning, Applied Animal Behaviourist with a Masters in Animal Welfare Science and Ethics. She is the founder of R+Dogs, a virtual dog behaviour consultancy that offers private coaching and online courses for dog guardians all over the globe. Renee specialises in coaching dog guardians to help their fearful and fired-up dogs overcome aggression, reactivity, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Alongside client coaching, Renee co-hosts DogLogical, a podcast that educates the public on dog behaviour and provides mentoring services to other dog professionals. You can find out more about Renee including how to work with her by visiting www.rplusdogs.com.
