The holidays are here again and for many people that means a lot of baking, gift-wrapping, parties, and houseguests. With so many extra activities and responsibilities on our plates, it’s easy for regular routines and habits to go by the wayside, including dog exercise and general management strategies. While you’ve likely got a lot going on, I’m here to advocate for your dog during this very busy season – because when we get frazzled sometimes our dogs do, too.
You’ve likely heard plenty of dog-related holiday warnings before, but here I’ll address the two most common problems and offer some tips to ease canine stress and prevent mishaps.
One common Festivus-related fiasco occurs when a dog digs into treats, decorations, or wrapped gifts. At the very least, cleaning up the resulting mess is annoying and time consuming. However, the worst-case scenario could mean a trip to the emergency room to treat toxicity or a blockage. [Ed. Note: See veterinarian Jenny Taylor’s article for further details on holiday health risks.]
Many dogs become unusually curious during the holidays due to a combination of temptation and boredom. There are lots of new and interesting things to smell, taste, and explore. Combine this with the fact that our holiday schedules don’t always allow for frequent enough exercise and outings and our dogs become pent up and eager for entertainment.
Here are three simple preventative measures you can take to help keep both your dog and your goods safe:
Be sure to fit in at least one 20-minute walk daily. If that’s impossible, get more bang for your exercise buck by playing a game such as fetch or tug for at least 10 intense minutes of fun, two times a day. It won’t take long and will provide an outlet for your dog’s excess energy.
Provide your dogs with appropriate projects, especially if you can’t get them out for their normal amount of exercise – and even if you do! The best way to keep your dog’s nose out of your treats and gifts is to give him some of his own. Take 15 minutes to stuff food-dispensing dog toys with your dog’s daily ration rather than feeding him from a bowl. Each loose kibble-dispensing toy or well-packed hollow rubber toy will keep him busy for 5 to 50 minutes! This focused occupation will likely leave him sated and sleepy.
Don’t leave tempting treats on low tables or accessible counters. I know it sounds obvious, but even a dog that normally doesn’t nab food may be tempted by the delights of the season, especially if she is under-exercised and looking for something to do.
Another troubling holiday season side-effect is stressed-out dogs, who may exhibit their anxiety in a myriad of ways. Whining or barking when left alone for longer than normal, chewing, house soiling, growling, and even nipping or biting can occur when dogs are pushed beyond their comfort levels and are forced to deal with strangers or large groups.
Not all dogs love everybody, though many tolerate visitors in small numbers just fine. But even if your dog likes most people, holiday guests can quickly move her from tolerant to terrified – and scared dogs are more likely to act out. Though alarming for most people, a growl or snap is your dog’s way of communicating discomfort. To avoid such outbursts, be sure to give her plenty of downtime during parties, and particularly if you have houseguests.
Watch your dogs carefully for signs that they aren’t thrilled with all the activity and attention. They may yawn, lick their lips, or fold back their ears when people approach. Some dogs will even leave the room! You’d be surprised how many people don’t catch that obvious cue. If your dogs are choosing not to interact with guests, please respect their wishes. I highly recommend putting your dogs in a comfortable, separate space with chew toys for at least a few hours when you’ve got company, even if they are generally friendly.
Remember that lots of people don’t have very good dog skills and may even be afraid of dogs, which our canine friends pick up on, adding to their unease. Plus it’s easy for dogs to be stepped on or given rich morsels of food from well-meaning folks who don’t understand how dangerous that type of kindness can be. This is why separating the canines from the humans for at least part of the festivities is a wise idea.
With a little bit of planning, a bunch of stuff-able chew toys, and a spot for doggy downtime you’ll merrily sail through the holidays. Cheers!
Kelly Gorman Dunbar is Director of the Center for Applied Animal Behavior, where she recruits and trains the instructors for the Dunbar family business, SIRIUS® Puppy & Dog Training. She is the creator of the SIRIUS Sniffers scent-detection program, and is in the process of bringing the French sport of cavage (truffle hunting) to the US. Kelly is also Founder and President of Open Paw and consults on various matters.
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