The festivities of the holiday season may be a little scary, stressful and downright weird for your dog \u2014 for example, why are there strange-looking dogs with sticks on their heads in the front yard? Dog anxiety is very real, so to help your dog cope with what can be a stressful season, we\u2019ve suggested some tips to help ensure that, in your dog\u2019s world, all is calm (and bright).<\/p>\n
Dog anxiety can manifest in different outward displays of behavior. Here are some common signs you might see with dog anxiety: scratching at the door, whining, barking, pacing, having accidents, repetitive or compulsive behaviors (like obsessive licking) or destructive behavior (like chewing furniture). Below we have some suggestions for managing anxiety in dogs during the holidays.<\/p>\n
One of the most important things to do is create a safe place for anxious dogs to escape to if the holiday festivities and events are getting a little too festive for them. Place their crate (or bed) in a quiet room with some of their favorite toys and a few treats for comfort. This will make a nice cozy place to retreat to, if your dog\u2019s anxiety becomes too much.<\/p>\n
You should also put their food and water bowls nearby so they don\u2019t need to go back into the party to eat or drink. Whether your dog is potty trained or still learning<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to take them out every few hours and not wait for them to tell you they need to go. An anxious dog may be too scared to let you know their usual way.<\/p>\n It\u2019s inevitable that when friends and family visit (or you visit them), they\u2019re going to want to play with your adorable dog. Because who doesn\u2019t like puppy snuggles? However, your dog may not feel the same way. Some dogs experience anxiety meeting new people or in a new environment, particularly if they haven\u2019t been through a lot of socialization training<\/a>. It\u2019s a good idea to ask your visitors to restrain from immediate puppy hugs and give your dog plenty of time to get acquainted with everyone first.<\/p>\n Your dog may also meet some new canine friends during the holidays. Before visiting friends or family members who have dogs, check that their dogs are tolerant of other dogs, particularly if you have a puppy \u2014 senior dogs can get grumpy very quickly with a young whippersnapper nipping at their ears. Take the introduction slow and watch for signs of anxious or aggressive behavior, and make sure neither dog is uncomfortable with the situation<\/a>.<\/p>\n Traveling for the holidays can add a whole other layer of stress for your dog, particularly as it disrupts their routine. If you\u2019re planning to take a trip with your dog, first check with your veterinarian that it\u2019s OK for your dog to travel.<\/p>\n Flying in particular can create an anxious dog with all of the loud noises and strange smells. So if you need to fly, it might be better to look at pet care options<\/a> for your dog while you\u2019re away, like a pet sitter or friends. Staying at home may also be a good idea for anxious dogs. On the other hand, leaving your dog with new humans could cause separation anxiety issues. Getting your dog used to their pet sitter before you leave can be a good option to help prevent separation anxiety.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re traveling by car, it\u2019s a good idea to crate train<\/a> your dog so that they\u2019re safely contained and you aren\u2019t distracted by a dog bouncing on the seats or trying to jump out the window. A rule of thumb used by some veterinarians and professional dog trainers is for a puppy to spend no longer than one hour in the crate for each month of age, up to nine to ten hours. However, others advise no more than four to five hours at a time (with the exception of nighttime). For more travel tips, check out this post on traveling safely with your pet<\/a>.<\/p>\n One thing your dog will be very excited about during the holidays is the smell of ALL. THAT. FOOD. Their nose will be working overtime trying to find the source of those mouth-watering scents. While it\u2019s tempting to give your dog a treat from your plate, feeding table scraps<\/a> or other human-food treats is not a good idea, as it could lead to tummy trouble<\/a> \u2014 and dealing with doggy diarrhea is not the best welcome for house guests. So keep the treats dog-appropriate to avoid added holiday stress (for both of you).<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to keep grapes and raisins<\/a>, alcohol, chocolate<\/a> and sugar-free candy and baked goods (that could contain xylitol<\/a>) away from a curious dog\u2019s mouth, as all of these can be toxic to dogs.<\/p>\nDogs with Anxiety Need Space<\/h2>\n
Traveling During the Holidays with Dogs<\/h2>\n
Food, Glorious Food (But It\u2019s Not for Puppies!)<\/h2>\n
Avoiding Dog Holiday Hazards<\/h2>\n