Changes in the Environment
Christmas trees, decorations and dangerous lights festoon our homes at this time of year. We have all seen and giggled at the social media posts about trees supposedly fainting or dogs who marvel at suddenly having an indoor toilet. These additions can, of course, be dangerous if not deadly to our pets. So be hazard aware and take steps to ensure your dog doesn’t ingest anything he shouldn’t like chocolates or glass baubles from the tree. Think also about the reduction of space a nervous dog now might have if your living room is further restricted by a tree and you fill the area with unfamiliar people all celebrating the Yule tide. Dogs can get very nervous of people under the influence of alcohol too as they tend to act differently.
Changes to Routine
More often than not dogs thrive on routine; some can get very distressed if there are sudden changes to this. Try as much as you can to keep meal and walk times the same throughout the Christmas period, and if that isn’t possible be empathic to his anxiety.
Visitors
Visiting humans and non-humans i.e.
other people’s dogs, can be extremely challenging for our pooches. Take steps to
introduce everyone carefully, on neutral ground, and make provision in the house for your dog and visitors to have time apart. Get your dog used to being behind a
dog gate or crate, or better still have the visiting dog spend time in their own crate. This is handy for when you can’t pay strict attention to both.
Be aware of flashpoints, narrow doorways, people getting up or re-entering a room, around food and toys etc. Keep small children under tight supervision at all times when near a dog they are unfamiliar with. Things can happen in a split second so never leave your nervous dog alone in a room with anyone they don’t know well. Better to call him to you and take him with you if you have to attend to something in another room.
Walks
Not only can walk times be different but you will notice a lot more people out and about for a stroll. They can often be accompanied by unruly dogs you have never seen in your area before. These might be visiting dogs but could also be those whose owners rarely walk them. They can be excitable and disobedient so be careful to spot the signs and protect your dog from unwanted attention.
We might also be tempted to walk further than usual as we have more time. Just like us if we exercise more, dogs can become stiff and sore after increased exercise, especially if they are older or have hip or other orthopaedic issues. He might even slip and injure himself if the conditions are wet and muddy. If your dog seems out of sorts or growls at you after a long walk, don’t assume he is just being difficult; pain will most likely be a contributing factor.
Christmas Cheer
We all want a happy, relaxing Christmas and with a little foresight and preparation, there is no reason this can’t happen.
Planning is key, so as well as writing down your list to Santa this Christmas, why not
jot down a wish list for your dog.
