How to Make the Holidays Stress-free for Your Dog
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 09:54:43 AM America/Los_Angeles
Holiday festivities bring the excitement of family gatherings, indulgent meals, and much anticipated gifts! However, your pup may not be feeling the same kind of joy – especially, if you’ll be celebrating away from home. Whether you’ll be together or apart, we have a couple of tips to make the holidays less stressful for your doggo and less worrisome for you!
Photo by Jakob Owens
Offer Interactive Toys
While we’re away in the kitchen for a holiday meal or busy shopping for Christmas gifts, our canine companions can feel a bit neglected. Keep dogs engaged with interactive toys that offer extra outlets for mental stimulation to keep boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior at bay.
Use an Indoor Dog Bathroom
A real bark pee pad like Bark Potty is essential for pet pawrents who will be away for a holiday trip, so that your fur baby can have access to a potty at all times. Pee pads are also helpful when you’re busy entertaining guests or stepping out for some holiday shopping. Make sure your pup has a place to go potty at all times, no matter where you are!
Provide a Warm Bed
Being cold not only feels uncomfortable, it can be downright painful for dogs who struggle with ailments such as arthritis. Beds with pet-safe heating pads or are self-warming can go a long way during the wintry nights. Even if your pooch doesn’t have to deal with joint pain, who doesn’t love a toasty place to snuggle when it’s cold outside? Put out a warm bed or cozy blanket to help your dog melt their stresses away.
Feed Calming Treats
Calming treats aren’t just for vet visits! Calming treats can also reduce anxiety levels during other stressful events such as travel or large gatherings with loud noises and unfamiliar people. These types of treats can keep stress levels at a minimum whether your pup will be struggling with separation anxiety while home alone or needing support with adjusting to unfamiliar guests and noises.
Utilize a Doggie Car Seat
If you and your fur baby are lucky enough to travel together, a doggie car seat is the safe way to travel. Car seats made for dogs typically include a buckle that latches onto your pup’s harness so that they stay secure during the trip. For dogs who aren’t a fan of car rides, use calming treats to provide a tasty snack and anxiety-reducing solution in one!