HOW IS IT THE END OF OCTOBER ALREADY?
I ask myself this every year! Here we are, Halloween (which just so happens to also be my son’s birthday!), with cooler temperatures and shorter days. After Halloween, we’ll blink and it will be Thanksgiving, Then another blink-blink, and it will be Christmas-New Year’s. It is a fun but usually hectic and more stressful time of the year for most of us. More time spent with family, warm nights by the fireplace, snuggled up with your best furry friends….oh, yes! That is what I’m here to discuss – not OUR stress this time of year, but your dogs’ stress.
Remember that our dogs mirror our emotions – they are the world’s best empaths! Not only that, but they thrive on routine and consistency. They want to be able to predict what comes next. For most of us, the next couple of months our normal routine goes out the window, while our stress level shoots right through the “woof!” (See what I did there?) It is important to remember that while we are decorating, shopping, travelling, cooking, hosting parties, our dogs are as stressed as we are – if not more!
That doesn’t mean you have to cancel your holidays just to keep your Pooch calm and happy. You should, however, keep them in mind as you change your routine and make sure you devote extra time to do your dog’s favorite activities – whether that is playing fetch or if you have a buddy who prefers “Netflix & Chill” time. Figure out ways you can even include them in the festivities! Here are some helpful tips:
- Be aware of your stress/anxiety level! If you are worried/scared/anxious about the upcoming festivities, your dog will be, too! I cannot stress this enough. You can not only help your pet, but yourself by checking in with your emotional state on a regular basis. When you think to yourself, “why is Fido acting like this today?” Look at yourself – Fido is feeding off of your energy. This one is number one for a reason, because this is the best way for you to help your pet (and consequently you, too!) stay calm and happy this holiday season.
- As you decorate, allow your dog to assist you! It can be fun and less scary for them if they can sniff each decoration as you put it in place. Putting up garland? Why not lay it out on the floor for (supervised) playtime and snap a few cute pics before you hang it! (Christmas card pic? CHECK!) Don’t forget to “PET-PROOF” your decor.
- If you will be away from your home longer than your normal work-day, with shopping or visiting family, consider a DROP-IN PET SITTER to give your pet not only a potty break, but a little play time with a friend.
- Be sure to book your pet’s vacation stay EARLY if you are travelling. If you do have to leave your pet overnight somewhere, let them visit and sniff around several times before you leave them for an extended stay. Ask the facility if they offer DAYCARE and arrange for your pet to get to know the place, smells and caretakers. An overnight stay may even be a good idea for the more anxious pets – when you show up to pick them up it will reinforce to them that their stay there is temporary.
- TRAVELING with your pets? Always pack more than enough food, along with their personal favorite toys/bones/beds. DON’T FORGET TO HAVE ENOUGH MEDICINE (if needed) FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP AND BE SURE TO PACK IT! (Yes, I am speaking from personal experience!) Don’t forget to have their vaccinations up-to-date and easily accessible. Also, be prepared BEFORE you travel with the numbers/hours of some local Veterinarians near where you’re staying. Be sure to have information for an “after hours” Vet, as well. Trust me on this one! You probably won’t need it, but if you do, you don’t want to be wasting your time Googling it and trying to figure out which one is closer/open/etc. in the middle of a Pet Emergency. (Again, yes – I am speaking from personal experience!)
- Do not over-feed them, especially not the food you are preparing for the human family. Most of what we enjoy is either TOXIC or just unhealthy for them. Keep their mealtimes as close to your normal routine as possible.
- If the party is coming to your house, prepare your guests for what to expect with your pets. Be your pet’s advocate – don’t be afraid to ask people to ignore your dog, so he can sniff around and join in the party on his terms. Make sure your pet has access to an area where he can get away from everything and feel safe and comfortable. If you need help with your dog’s greeting people, contact a TRAINER NOW, not the day before the party!
I sure hope this helps you as we head into the Holiday Season. Remember, stay calm and enjoy this time of year.
Happy Holidays to everyone – Humans and Pets – from all of us at T&D Forever Home Training and The Dog Lounge!
PET-PROOF TIPS: Winter holiday pet safety | American Veterinary Medical Association
DROP-IN PET SITTER: https://www.rover.com/ambas-refer-a-friend/APDwr31A
DAYCARE: The Dog Lounge – tdforeverhometraining.com
TRAVELING: Winter holiday pet safety | American Veterinary Medical Association
TOXIC HOLIDAY FOODS: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets | ASPCA
TRAINER: tdforeverhometraining.com
