Christmas is fast approaching, the decorations are starting to go up, and mince pies are being demolished!
People will be having lots of different visitors to their house, and there will be all kinds of food left out, so there are few things that we need to consider over the Christmas period to ensure that our fabulous pooches stay nice and settled, and safe.
Some dogs like having people visit, but there are many dogs that simply find themselves feeling quite overwhelmed. All dogs are different; some are like that person you see at the party dancing on the tables, absolutely loving the attention, some dogs are like the person that enjoys sitting back and watching the party unfold, and then some dogs are introverted, and are thinking ’I’d rather not be here, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed’.
It is really important that dogs have a quiet area away from all of the hustle and bustle that they can retreat to should they feel a little worried. If your dog is crate trained, then using a crate with draped blankets, in a quiet bedroom upstairs is a really good way of ensuring your dog has their safe place to relax. If you don’t have a crate, then simply popping their usual bed in a quiet room should suffice. Leaving the radio or TV on, so they can catch up with their favourite Christmas movies and songs may just get them into the festive spirit!
Remember to make sure that you leave a bowl of fresh water for them, so that they do not feel like they have to move downstairs if they become thirsty.
It is also important that your dog is left alone, and that nobody disturbs them while they are resting. Leaving your dog with a chew or a stuffed Kong is a really nice way to help bring their adrenaline levels down, and chewing helps to calm them. This gives you a good excuse to spoil your dog with an extra treat or toy that you may have been saving for Christmas Day.
Your dog will probably need a toilet break at some point, and so it’s important that you give them the opportunity to go outside. When doing so, ensure that you go through the quietist entrance and politely ask people for some space, they will understand! This also gives you an opportunity to have a break away from those pesky family members, ha ha!
Add comment
Comments