Christmas is a time of joy, celebration and (of course) plenty of delicious food! But with all the changes to your usual routine, it can also pose risks or bring challenges to your furry friend.
Between tables laden with forbidden goodies to the blanket of wrapping paper underfoot, the holidays present all sorts of new (and sometimes risky) adventures to your curious pup.
It’s dinner time!
Your pup might think you slaved away for hours in the kitchen to prepare that lovely, juicy turkey for them, not the number of new people in your home! It might be tempting to spare them a scrap (after all, look at those puppy dog eyes!), but it’s not worth the risk!
To ensure your pup is on their best behaviour, supervise or allocate someone to supervise them during food preparation and meals to keep them in check! On top of this, inform guests or hosts of your dog’s diet, so everyone stays on the same page.
Your pup might feel left out come dinner time, so why not create a separate festive raw feast for them? Having dog-friendly raw treats at the ready will ease interest in your lovely turkey and keep them happy, a win-win for everyone!
New routines!
Christmas is an extremely busy time, shifting your routine and inevitably shifting your dogs, too. The changes to their space, the introduction of new humans, and changes in your routine might stress them out. Here are some ways you can keep your pup calm during the festive madness:
Your dog might become puzzled seeing all the new decorations entering their home. They’ll wonder, ‘why is there a tree in here?’ Introduce decorations gradually, so your pup can get used to them and the smells and sensations that come with them.
If you intend to have visitors, allow your dog to greet them in their own time. Create a safe space in your home that only your dog and familiar humans can enter, fill it with their favourite toys and blankets, making it a cosy space to retreat to if they need! If you’re visiting another place, bring a blanket and a bed to set up a safe space there!
Expecting children to make an appearance? Make sure to introduce them calmly. The Christmas buzz can get to them, and this might translate to their introductions! Always supervise children around your dog, especially if they are nervous.
– You can steadily introduce dogs to children by ensuring the children stand still, and let your pup sniff them, allowing them to leave without being followed.
Be aware of loud noises, such as Christmas crackers, party poppers, fireworks, loud music and chatter. Anything out of the ordinary for your fur baby. If they become stressed, remind them of their safe space!
You could also introduce a natural calming supplement to their diet.
Can I eat that?
Christmas comes with plenty of trinkets, decorations and doodads that might confuse your dog. It’s important to keep an eye on them, especially while presents are being unwrapped. Remove all rubbish and packaging from the floor and keep small toys away from your pup.
Tinsel, glass baubles and tree lights are often overlooked dangers of the festive season. Make sure these stay out of your dog’s reach, eliminating risks of choking on small pieces or getting tangled in longer pieces!
Alongside this, Christmas introduces a handful of new festive plants. Pine (real Christmas trees), poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are just a few seasonal plants that are toxic to dogs. When decorating, make sure to keep these far from your dog!
Jetting off?
The holiday season can often mean travelling far and wide to see family you only see once a year. If you’re worried about travelling with (or without) your pup, read our guide for keeping your dog’s raw food diet on track while travelling.
‘Tis the Season!
Christmas is a fun, albeit chaotic, time for the whole family. By following these simple steps, you can keep the holiday hustle to a minimum while keeping your dog’s happiness to the max. After all, a safe, happy pup makes Christmas that much merrier for everyone, we’re pawsitive!
