A dog-friendly Christmas
Ever considered Christmas under palm trees?
Hello dear dog lovers,
Christmas is just around the corner and you're probably in the middle of preparing for Christmas Eve. Did you know that your stress is automatically transferred to your dog?
Make your dog a special present this Christmas with a stress-free Christmas
Before Christmas
We all know the feeling. We're running from one place to another, we want to have a beautifully decorated house, we're missing that one last-minute present and at the same time we're planning a wonderful evening with good food. Yes, and then we have to go shopping again and so on... That's why it's important to plan rest periods for your dog to reduce sensory overload and recover from the stress we've created. This way, your dog won't be exhausted by too many noises or smells and will find inner peace. Because a dog needs 18 hours of rest or sleep a day. It is best to create a social retreat for him with things that the animal knows, such as his dog cushion or cuddly blanket.
During the Christmas period
The preparations have been finalised and your guests are about to arrive. Now it's important to keep a few things in mind to make sure your four-legged friend has a great Christmas.
Social interaction
Some dogs love social interaction and enjoy being surrounded by lots of people. Other dogs may be shy or anxious and may feel uncomfortable in a large crowd. Observe your dog's body language to find out how he reacts to the extra people and please act accordingly.
Safety
Make sure that the guests in the house are dog-friendly and respect your dog's needs. Educate them about your dog's possible behaviour or habits and how best to behave in its presence.
Routine
Dogs often feel more secure when they have a routine. Try to stick to the times and length of walks and other routines.
Conclusion
It is important to consider your dog's needs and make sure he has enough time to rest and relax. Observe his behaviour and adjust the routine, if you notice signs of stress or being overwhelmed, please react. If your dog is shy or anxious, it can be helpful to give him the opportunity to get used to new people slowly. Give your guests enough time to familiarise themselves with your pet and set clear rules about what your guests can and cannot do with your dog. You may also want to ask if anyone is afraid of dogs.
Potential dangers around Christmas:
Toxic foods: Many foods consumed during the Christmas period can be toxic to dogs. These include chocolate, sultanas, grapes, onions, garlic, alcohol and some sweeteners such as xylitol. Make sure that such foods are out of your dog's reach.
Bones: Some people tend to give their dog bones during the holidays. However, cooked bones can splinter and cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Avoid feeding bones, especially cooked ones, to your dog.
Overfeeding: With the whole family together, it can lead to the dog getting more leftovers and treats than usual. Overeating can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or even a life-threatening stomach torsion. Make sure that all family members are informed about the importance of giving the dog only dog-safe treats and maintaining its normal diet.
Decorations and gifts: Christmas decorations and gifts can also pose dangers to dogs. Electric cables, Christmas tree decorations or gift wrapping could be swallowed or cause other injuries. Make sure that the dog does not have access to potentially dangerous objects.