The 3 Tips to Help Keep the Holidays Stress-Free for Your Dogs

Fa-la-la-la-FREAK OUT!

Let’s be honest, the holidays are a magical time of year, but can be stressful for both you and your dog! For humans, we have to plan gifts and festivities, while pets have to live with trees in the house, sparkly presents on the floor, and Santa coming down from the chimney!
The festive freak-out is real for us and our pets. But with some simple tips and planning, you and your furry holiday helper can enjoy a care-free holiday season.

1) Maintain Their Daily Routines

Our fur babies thrive on routine — they get up at a certain time, eat at a certain time, play at a certain time, go potty at a certain time. When these routines start to change, our pets get thrown off-balance, and unwanted behaviors may start to appear. Do your best to maintain a consistent routine for your pet during the holidays. If you can’t keep up normal schedules, at least try to give them some special one-on-one time whenever possible.

2) Exercise Your Dogs Mind and Body

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, combined with the changing seasons, may leave our pets getting less exercise than they are used to. This pent-up energy may begin to appear in ways you don’t usually see from your dog — chewing up furniture, destroying toys, getting into food — or just being an overall busybody (after all, there’s a ton of cool new things they haven’t seen before).
Try your best to get in a good game of fetch or toy playtime to tire out your pup. Alternatively, you can tire out your dog’s brain, which is just as helpful as tiring out their body. A walk that is full of new scents and sounds is a double-whammy: brain work and body work! Plus, a walk may help YOU clear your brain and recharge.

Another idea to encourage brain work that anyone can do is to hide some irresistible treats or food around a room and encourage your pet to “find the treat” (try hiding these super yummy Beef Gullet Chips). It’s fun for your pet and keeps them busy for a few minutes.

3) Create a “Safe Spot”

Your pet may get anxious about visitors (or Santa) in the house, especially if you haven’t had company in some time. To help alleviate this anxiety, create a “safe spot” for your pet. If your pet is crate-trained already, you are set. If not, set aside a quiet room or space for your dog. Make it super cozy and comfy with a bed, toys, treats and more.

Get them used to making this room their safety zone by giving them food or treats in the room. When you have guests, your pet will be safe and secure in a room of their own and can snooze away happily. Maybe turn on a low fan, or a radio on low volume to help drown out any unusual sounds from the rest of the house.

P.S. - Don't Forget a Gift for Fido!

While the holiday season is a busy time for us humans, make sure to add your furry to your gift list! Surprise your dog with yummy, all-natural treats or chews, like bully sticks, collagen chews, and bones. Or, check out our holiday bundles, the perfect stocking stuffers for your best friend.

For more tips and tricks on how to keep your dog safe during the holidays, check out the ASPCA’s holiday safety guide. We hope you enjoy the magic of the season with Fido by your side, and if your pup does experience a little holiday anxiety, learn how chewing can help dogs manage anxiety.