When you’re busy with the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holiday season it can be easy to unintentionally be neglectful with your dog. Of course you would never do anything to harm your pooch on purpose, but the holidays can be a stressful time for dogs. After all, you may be coming and going more than usual, and there might be more guests in the home than your dog is accustomed to. Because things are hectic for you that stress can probably be felt by your pet too.
Give Your Furry Friend Some Special Time
Just as you spend special time with your kids at this time of year, it is also important to plan some time around your dog. While he might not be impressed with making Santa’s Nice List or a Christmas countdown calendar, he is sure to enjoy a walk in the park or any time that includes his favorite person and a well-loved toy.
Let Guests In On Dog Rules
Dogs are much like kids – there are some things you allow them to do and other things you simply do not. For instance, you probably never allow your dog to go outside unattended. With that in mind guests should be alerted that your dog should not be ‘let out’ without your knowledge.
Some dogs have certain food allergies and others are on precise diets for medical reasons, or simply to maintain, gain or lose weight. Therefore, it is important to let guests know what foods your pet can and cannot eat.
Other things that should be mentioned to guests include any personality quirks your dog may have. For instance, some dogs are nervous around loud noises and some prefer men over women while others love kids. When holiday guests are aware of these things they can be better friends to your dog.
Use Caution With Holiday Decorations
Another area of concern for dogs during the holiday season is associated with holiday decorations. Some dogs are attracted to shiny things; things like Christmas tree ornaments or garland can look like attractive toys to dogs and may even be confused as treats, which of course, can be very dangerous.
Even the wires to Christmas tree lights can be appealing to dogs – especially to puppies. It is wise to tape the wires to the edge of the floor in a way that your dog is less likely to be intrigued. And if you use a real Christmas tree you will need to ensure that your dog does not drink the water at the base of the tree – it can cause stomach irritation.
Real mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly are all poisonous to pets. If you decorate with these plants during the holiday season you should place them out of the reach of your dog.
Keeping Him Happy
What your dog really wants is time with you. That is the best way to keep him happy year round. But since it’s the holiday season, why not splurge a little and get your dog something special too? Make him a do-it-yourself toy with an old t-shirt or piece of rope. You can find lots of instructions online for DIY projects. Then spend a little one-on-one time playing with your furry friend – that’s how to keep him happy!
Image courtesy of Theeradech Sanin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
