Christmas and New Year’s Eve. How do you get through December with a dog?
December is a magical month full of happiness, lights, snow, and a cozy atmosphere. It can, however, be a very stressful time for our four-legged friends. The holidays, the guests, the Christmas tree, the fragrant dishes – all of this can cause anxiety in our dog. Just as it appears that peace has been restored, the New Year’s Eve celebrations begin: shooting and fireworks! For many dogs, New Year’s Eve is the worst day of the year. As a result, it is critical that we, as guardians, prepare responsibly for this period while keeping our dog’s welfare in mind.
Christmas
- Christmas decorations: Keep your dog’s reach away from Christmas decorations. Artificial snow, glass ornaments, and small items, for example, can be hazardous.
- Candles and fire: Avoid placing candles in low places where your dog could knock them over. Keep an eye out for fireplace fires.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, toxin for dogs
- Guests: The presence of guests may frighten some dogs. Allow them time to adjust to new faces.
- Safe place: If the hustle and bustle of the holiday season becomes too much for your dog, create a quiet area for him to rest.
- Try out new toys: If you intend to buy new toys for your dog for Christmas, make sure they are safe and do not contain small parts that he could swallow.
Before New Year’s Eve.
- Put a collar on your dog with a securely attached address tag that includes your contact information.
- Make sure your dog’s chip is registered in the database.
- Collar + harness or double collar: If your dog panics and knows how to escape, use a double collar or harness.
- Walk your dog before the madness of New Year’s Eve begins. This will keep you from going outside during the fireworks.
SOS on New Year’s Eve
- Anti-stress vest – select a size that is comfortable for your dog. Teach your dog to put it on.
- Lavender, chamomile, chamomile essential oils
- Herbs – valerian, lavender, lemon balm (spread herbs around the house or make an infusion and pour it into a bowl)
- Music for relaxation
- Ttouch massage
- Chews – test ahead of time to ensure thet don’t cause diarrhea.
- Toys for licking
Remeber
- Most medications do not work immediately. You must consider them ahead of time. Some medications are given a few days before New Year’s Eve, while others are given for several weeks – especially herbs, supplements, and CBD oil. Today is the day to visit the veterinarian.
- Desensitization is frequently ineffective because the bang of fireworks is quite specific – very loud with a high frequency. Many dogs develop a survival strategy, such as fleeing, becoming aggressive, or freezing. You can help with recordings, but you must do so much earlier. What is most beneficial to the dog is a positive relationship with the handler and regular confidence building!
- Close and cover all windows, and soundproof the room by placing blankets on the windows, for example. Turn on music or TV, and use a hair dryer or a fan to create white noise in the background.
- Do not leave your dog alone on New Year’s Eve, especially if it is his first. However, if the dog prefers to be hidden in the cage, bathroom, or basement, he should be allowed to do so.
- Although emotions cannot be reinforced, your dog may become anxious if you start running from window to window at 00:00, excited about the noise. When your dog panics, try to calm him down!
Summary
- Routine and a secure environment. Teach your dog to relax by providing a quiet area where he can escape the hustle and bustle.
- Walks are required on a regular basis, regardless of the weather. Movement is not only a physical activity, but it also helps your dog relieve stress.Go out earlier on New Year’s Eve and let your dog hide after.
- Dog’s health. Before you get carried away with preparations, consult your veterinarian about tranquilizers. Make sure you have enough medication for your dog during the holiday season.