๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐๐
๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐จ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐จ!
For many dogs, Christmas can be a stressful time, especially with changes to routine, extra visitors, and a busier household. This can be particularly challenging for young, sensitive, or reactive dogs.
By taking a few simple precautions, we can help prevent stress-related incidents and avoid dog rescues and behaviourists being inundated with calls over the festive period due to bite incidents or behavioural concerns.
Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog safe and relaxed this Christmas:
๐ Routine
Stick to your dogโs normal routine as much as possible, including exercise, feeding times, toilet breaks, and play. Maintaining consistency helps prevent boredom, frustration, and destructive behaviour, especially in under-exercised dogs.
๐ SAFE SPACE โ the most important requirement! โผ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Ensure your dog has a dedicated safe space, such as a crate or bed in a quiet room, where they can relax undisturbed.
This area should:
- Be gated off and free from hazards
- Be clearly off-limits to guests
- Never be accessible to unattended children
This space allows your dog to decompress and feel secure when things become overwhelming.
๐ Temperature
Christmas homes can get very warm with extra guests, heating, and fires. Make sure your dog doesnโt overheat.
Equally, if your dog spends time outdoors for decompression, ensure theyโre not getting too cold.
๐ Guests
When introducing your dog to visitors:
- Ask guests to sit down first so they appear less intimidating
- Allow your dog to approach in their own time
- Encourage guests to drop treats on the floor rather than offering them directly
- Ask guests not to pursue your dog to try and say hello before your dog feels comfortable around them.
Respecting your dogโs boundaries builds confidence and trust.
๐ Children
Children can be noisy, excitable, and unpredictable, especially during the festive season. This can be overwhelming for dogs, particularly those not used to being around them.
Teach children:
- โLet sleeping dogs lieโ
- โLeave dogs to eat in peaceโ
- NEVER climb on, sit on, or grab a dog
๐จ NEVER leave children and dogs unattended together.
Always advocate for your dog, often the safest option is keeping them in their safe space away from the chaos.
๐ Noise Levels = Sensory Overload
Festive households can be loud and overstimulating. Plan ahead by ensuring your dog is well exercised and mentally enriched, then allow them to settle comfortably in their safe space while you enjoy the celebrations.
๐ Fireworks
Fireworks are increasingly common during the festive season. For guidance on supporting noise sensitive dogs, please refer to our Fireworks Tips post from November.
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๐พ A calm Christmas is a safer, happier Christmas for everyone. ๐พ
