Going Away
If you plan on going away for the holidays ensure you book adequate accommodation for your dog well in advance. There are various pet hotels and boarding kennels that can look after your dog and accommodate to their needs while you’re away, a simple google search will help you find ones nearby. Another alternative is bringing your dog to someone’s house or having someone stay at your house while you’re away. If you can’t find a family member or friend who is able to do this there are quite a few sites that allow you to find an experienced and trusted dog sitter. www.dontfretpet.com.au
www.pawshake.com.au
www.madpaws.com.au
www.topdogminders.com.au
Food
While you and your loved ones may enjoy a feast or two over the holiday season, it’s best not to share it with your dogs. Rich and fatty food can cause dogs to have stomach upsets or even pancreatitis. You should also avoid feeding your dogs any left over bones as they can splinter and cause problems to your dogs intestinal tract. Also ensure your dog doesn’t have any access to decorative food like candy canes, as they are high in sugar and can cause them to become sick.
Click here to view a list of food that is toxic to dogs.
Decorations
–Ensure your dog doesn’t have access to any types of ribbons or string as they can cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
–Tinsel can look like a fun toy to dogs so ensure your dog doesn’t have access to any as it can cause blockages.
–If you think your dog may be tempted to jump on or pull at the Christmas tree make sure you limit access to it. This can be done by placing it in a room where the dog doesn’t go or putting an indoor exercise pen around it.
–Ensure your dog doesn’t have access to any electrical cords from lights. If your dog chews on an electrical cord it could burn them or even electrocute them.
Fireworks
During the holiday season it’s not uncommon for firework displays to occur. If your dog is afraid of fireworks allow them to have a safe place where they can hide, this can be something like a crate or a kennel. You can also give them something to comfort them like a chew toy, a bone or an old jumper. If you’re at home with them while fireworks are on put the tv on and play a game with them to keep them distracted.
Nervous dogs
The holiday season can be an intimidating time for nervous dogs as there may be a lot more people and noise then they are generally use to. If you have a nervous dog and you are expecting your house to get quite busy over the holiday season there are a few things you can do to make it as calm as possible for your dog:
–Make sure you give your dog a quiet place they can retreat to. This can be a crate, a kennel or even a quiet room.
–When meeting new people or pets allow the dog to initiate the contact, don’t force them into it.
–Don’t change their daily schedule too much. If you walk or feed them at the same time each day then try to stick too that.
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