It’s the holiday season and there are so many things to do! There are things to buy and decorate; people to see and places to go; and things to cook, bake and serve. The last thing you need is some sort of pet-related disaster. As you know, there is always a natural resumption of activity during the holidays. Especially since we have different events from last year where we start to see our loved ones again. As you prepare for a magical vacation, here are some pressure points to consider and how to relieve them. We have the Top 5 Disasters to Avoid During the Holiday Season AND Free Printable Christmas Gifts for Dogs just by reading this blog post!
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1. Christmas decorations = hairy frustrations
We agree: the holidays without all those beautiful decorations just wouldn’t be the same. You know your dog really wants to eat some of the new decorations. But just like children, your pets don’t want to get into trouble. Plan how to handle this so you aren’t caught by surprise when it happens.
There are some serious rules to avoid for your pet: Make sure your dog can’t eat anything that could make him sick. Some of the biggest offenders include tinsel on the tree, fake polystyrene berries that can get stuck in the throat and stay permanently Poinsettias at height because they can be toxic to pets. A trick a loving dog mom uses is to not put all the ornaments on the tree at first. The nicest glass ornaments are added a week before Christmas, once the dog is more accustomed to the tree to prevent them from being knocked over and broken.
2. Take time for your pet
Those of us who have the honor of working at Parnell Living Science, the creators of Glyde™ Mobility Chew, are actually a very organized group. But we all agree: during the holidays it is impossible to keep everything in order. We’re like you trying to experience a magical season. This wastes valuable time from what we really need to focus on, which is quality time with our loved ones. This also includes your pet. Are you rushing from one project to the next without taking time for your fur baby? By taking the time to step back and let some things go, you will more appreciate what you are trying to create. There’s nothing better than sitting with your dog on your lap and relaxing to ease your own stress and give him the attention he deserves. This will also prevent your dog from getting bored and eating the presents under the tree while you are away.
3. Too much food
There is more good food to eat during the holidays than any other time of year. Make sure you don’t get into the habit of sharing too much with your beloved dog or cat. Just like humans, your dog doesn’t need a few extra pounds during the holidays. Some say the average man and woman can gain up to 5 pounds during the holidays. In terms of dogs, this is a bigger problem. According to the non-profit organization, Prevention of pet obesity, one pound can increase a dog’s overweight percentage by 3-5%, harming your dog’s health. On the organization’s website you can find weight translation tables. Eat healthy snacks whenever you can for both of you. Then you won’t feel guilty when you indulge.
There are also family celebrations. If you are unsure about what your dog can and cannot eat, feel free to check out our blog: “Thanksgiving Holiday: What Your Dog Can and Can’t Have” which goes through what foods your pets should and shouldn’t eat.
4. Less exercise
The health benefits for you and your dog from walking during the stressful holiday season are enormous. If your dog is home all day and you stay home all night, your dog may have cabin fever. Most dogs need to be outside to exercise. As the days get shorter and it gets colder, they stay indoors more. If you notice your dog misbehaving and chewing your holiday wrapping paper, he may simply be bored and need to go outside for exercise. Make them happy, because when you get out into the cold air, your body releases good serotonin and relieves seasonal stress.
5. Lost in chaos
Dr. Seuss said it best in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it’s very true: “Oh, the noise! Ah the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!”
Visiting family, talking, laughing, doorbells, holiday music, vacuum cleaners, banging pots and pans – it all adds up to a lot of stress for both people and dogs. People visiting and unloading items from the car means the doors may be opened more than usual. Don’t let Fido escape and get lost during the Christmas shuffle. Always have someone look after the dog while people unload to make sure they don’t run away if given the chance. This is more of a problem for people with certain breeds, such as hounds, willing to hunt, or shepherds wanting to herd a flock.
Make sure to schedule peaceful moments into your day, every day. Nothing calms us more than time spent with our pets. The best peace of all is knowing that our fur babies love us, no matter how much we burn the cookies. If you’re really getting ready, let a family member look after your fur baby and take him for a walk. Or place them in their kennel or whatever room they enjoy most to escape while you’re busy with last minute details.
6. Don’t forget your dog supplements and medications
Bonus reminder: we can’t forget the pet health routine! The holidays are a busy time. Don’t forget about your dog’s health, especially if it includes supplements and medications. If you give your dog a joint supplement such as Glyde™ Mobility Chewdon’t lose the momentum you gained when you gave it in a timely manner. Glyde works best when administered daily. All supplements and medications are like this. The last thing you want is to take two steps back, after taking a step forward when you forgot to give your dog his supplements and medications. Make sure you set a reminder on your phone to make sure you don’t forget!
Either way: enjoy the holidays with the ones you love, definitely including those fur babies!