Tips for a happier and safer Christmas for your dog
Christmas for dogs means many more people around, much more noise and this can bring overwhelm, fear or excitement and more waggy tails. Or both. Some dogs love the extra people but not the extra noise. The change of routine and the extra busy-ness of the humans around them can take its toll on their comfort as well.
I want to cover a few different aspects here that will help your dog cope with Christmas as well as giving some ideas for presents and things to do with your dog at this time.
Food
Everyone knows the poisonous stuff such as chocolate, cocoa, avocados, grapes, raisins, sultanas, currents, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts but did you also know that alcohol, the sweetener Xylitol, uncooked bread dough and blue cheese are also toxic/dangerous foods for your dog. Also do not feed cooked bones, these are so brittle and splinter causing internal damage. Keep these bones well away from temptation. Too much sugar is not a good thing for dogs either, it can cause pancreatitis.
Noise and Overwhelm
Lots of dogs, especially ones who have previously suffered traumas or are naturally anxious, will struggle with the extra noise and activity and even the change of routine at this time of year. Just be aware if your dog suffers with this or is likely to suffer and allow them space on their own in a quiet, safe place when they want to. Soft, soothing music can often help as can flower essences before and during Christmas – there are some beautiful soothing ones that bring peace on a deep level.
Take some time to be present and slow down yourself to help bring calm to your dog.
A note on children and dogs – children together are more noisy and more excitable so dogs need extra protection from this and it goes without saying, I hope, that children must not pester, torment or try to play with a dog when they do not want it.
For dogs happy to be included in the noise and activity, let them safely join in, making sure they do not pick up anything or eat anything they shouldn’t, they will love being a part of your special family times and their wagging tails will bring more smiles to you.
Presents
As well as some great toys out there, some good natural chews including a raw bone or perhaps a new bed you don’t have to spend money to give your dog a present at this time. Dogs love your attention so you could make some extra time to do something with your dog that increases the bond you have – brain games, fun training, scent following (you can do this in your own garden with a tin of sardines and an old pair of tights or a stocking to trail the scent to the prize). Being present together – a theme in my posts! – see this blog for more information – this is gold to dogs (and us). A really good long walk somewhere new, with new smells and sights is a great adventure gift for your dog. You could also sponsor a dog in a shelter or give a donation to a shelter, there are lots of smaller shelters struggling to survive and help dogs in need.
Travelling
Christmas can mean that you travel with your dog to family and may be the only time your dog goes in the car for any distance. If your dog does not like travelling again flower essences or the right essential oil offered (very important!) to your dog, soothing music and doing short stress-free journeys to build up to longer journeys can all help. For motion sickness ginger is a wonderful help, and offering the oil for inhalation only is a great way to help this. Make sure they are secure in a cage or harnessed to point, as in addition to the safety aspect, this also helps with reducing motion sickness.
I wish you and your dog a merry Christmas, a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a very Happy New Year – may it bring you all you wish for with many blessings.
Shine like the light your dog knows you are.