It’s the holiday season and there’s so much to do! There are things to buy and decorate; see people and places to go; and things to cook, cook and serve. The last thing you need is some kind of pet-related disaster to encounter. As you know, there is always a natural increase in activity during the holidays. Especially since we had various events last year where we are starting to see our loved ones again. As you plan a magical holiday, here are some pressure points to keep in mind and how to relieve them. We’ve got the Top 5 disasters to avoid during the holiday season AND a free Dog Christmas Printable gift just for reading this blog post!
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1. Holiday Decorations = Furry Frustrations
We agree: the holidays wouldn’t be the same without all the pretty decorations. You know your dog really wants to eat some of the new treats. But just like children, your pets don’t like to get into trouble. Plan how to deal with it so you won’t be surprised when it happens.
There are some serious no-nos for your pet: make sure your dog can’t eat anything to make them sick. Some major offenders include tinsel on the tree, fake berries made of styrofoam that can get stuck in their throats and are sure to stay. Poinsettias high because they can be toxic to pets. One trick that avid dog moms use is to not put all the decorations on the tree to begin with. The best glass ornaments are added a week before Christmas, after the dog is more used to the tree to avoid falling and breaking.
2. Make Time for Your Pet
Those of us honored to work at Parnell Living Science, the makers of Glyde™ Mobility Chews, are truly a highly organized group. But we all agree: during the holidays it is impossible to keep everything in order. We are like you striving for a magical time. This takes valuable time away from what we really need to focus on which is quality time with loved ones. This also includes your pet. Are you rushing from one project to the next without making time for your fur-baby? By taking the time to step back and let some things go, you’ll be more satisfied with what you’re trying to create. There is nothing better than sitting with your dog on your lap and relaxing to calm your own stresses and give them the attention they deserve. This will also prevent your dog from getting bored and eating the presents under the tree while you are out.
3. Too Much Food
More delicious food can be eaten during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Be sure not to get into the habit of over-sharing with your beloved family dog or cat. Just like people, your dog doesn’t need a few extra pounds from the holidays. Some say the average man and woman can gain up to 5 pounds over the holidays. In terms of dogs, this is a bigger issue. According to the non-profit organization, Pet Obesity Prevention, one pound can increase a dog’s overweight percentage by 3-5%, which in turn is detrimental to your dog’s health. On the organization’s website, you can find weight translator charts. Stick to healthy snacks as much as possible for both of you. Then you won’t feel guilty when you indulge.
There are also family feasts. If you’re not sure what your dog can and can’t eat, be sure to check out our blog: “Thanksgiving: What Your Dog Can and Can’t Have” which goes over the foods your dogs should and shouldn’t eat. pet .
4. Exercise Less
The health benefits for you and your dog of walking during the stressful holiday season are huge. If your dog is at home all day, and you stay home all night, your dog may develop cabin fever. Most dogs need to be outside for exercise. As the days get shorter and colder, they stay inside more. If you notice your dog misbehaving and chewing on your holiday wrapping paper, they may just be bored and need to go out for exercise. Give them a go, because as you get out into the cold air, your body will release feel-good serotonin and relieve seasonal stress.
5. Lost in The Chaos
said Dr. Seuss at his best How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but very true: “Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! noise! noise! Noisy!”
Family visits, conversations, laughter, doorbells, holiday music, vacuums, pots and pans – these are all a lot of stress for people and dogs. People visiting and taking things out of the car means the doors may be open more than usual. Don’t let Fido get lost and lost during the Christmas shuffle. There will always be someone to look after the dog while people unload to make sure they don’t run away if the opportunity arises. This is more of a problem for people with certain breeds such as dogs, ready for hunting or shepherds who like to herd.
Be sure to schedule peaceful moments into your day, every day. Nothing calms us down more than spending time with our pets. The best peace of all is knowing that our fur-babies love us even if we burn the cookies. If you’re really in the mix of getting ready, let a family member handle your fur-baby and take them for walks. Or put them in their den or the room they enjoy the most to get away from it all while you’re busy with last minute details.
6. Don’t forget your Dog supplements, meds
Bonus note: we can’t forget the pet health routine! The holidays are a busy time. Don’t forget your dog’s health, especially if it involves supplements and medications. If you give your dog a joint supplement like Glyde™ Mobility Chews, don’t lose the momentum you gained when you gave it in a timely manner. Glyde works best when given every day. All supplements and drugs are like that. The last thing you don’t want is to take two steps back, then take one step forward when you forget to give your dog their supplements and medication. Make sure you set a reminder on your phone to make sure you don’t forget!
No matter what: enjoy the holiday season with the ones you love, which definitely includes those fur-babies!
