A Guide To Stress-Free Festivities With Your Dog

It’s that time of year when the days are getting shorter, cozier, and more festive! Neighbors are swapping out their Halloween Jack-o-lanterns for festive lights and putting up trees. Thanksgiving turkeys are being prepped and Christmas ornaments are coming out of storage. It’s a magical time!

However, we can enjoy the magic of the holidays while admitting it’s also stressful. As a host, there is pressure to be festive while keeping your home clean and catering to guests. If you are traveling, you must worry about driving in potentially inclement weather or catching flights during the busiest time of year.

Don’t forget the holidays are stressful for our dogs too, so self-care for you and your pooch is essential! There are some big changes for dogs: the Christmas tree is scary, they are boarded, or they are nervous around house guests. Not to mention our stress can rub off on our dogs. With that in mind, let’s explore how you can keep the holidays stress-free for your furry family member! 

Understanding Holiday Stressors

Often abrupt changes to routine and environment during the holidays can stress your family pet. Decorations are startling and bright, furniture is rearranged to accommodate a Christmas tree (which they cannot pee on even though outside it’s fine!), there is a sudden influx of guests in and out of the house, and you might be gone a lot more than usual, perhaps even boarding your dog. On top of that, with the shorter days your dog might be getting less exercise, especially if you live in a colder climate. 

Your dog will show signs if they are stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. Some common stress signs are: 

• Whining or excessive barking
• Growling
• Pacing
• Accidents in the house
• Yawning or panting
• Freezing or “submissive” body posturing
• Licking
• Chewing (themselves or something on the house)

Preparations for Your Dog’s Holiday

While it’s hard to keep the holidays completely stress-free (for you or your furry family members), some things can help ease anxiety. 

Management

My favorite management tools are crates and baby gates. Forcing a stressed pup to hang out with guests or strangers isn’t fair. My rescue border collie is very nervous around new people, so she is happier in her crate when I have company over during the holidays. I have a better time too, since I get to spend my time enjoying my guests and not constantly managing her barking or hiding. 

If your dog isn’t crate-trained, you can use baby gates to create a safe space in a room or hallway. This way, they can still see the festivities without getting into trouble or sneaking a piece of turkey.

Speaking of turkey, be mindful that a holiday-decorated home can have items that are toxic to dogs. Common holiday poisons include:

• Certain plants, specifically Poinsettias
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Grapes and raisins 
• Xylitol, a common sweetener found in sugarless gum and candy
• Onions
• Holiday decorations like tinsel could cause impaction
• Too much fat (like dark turkey meat) can lead to bloating or pancreatitis 

Another good reason to crate or separate your dog is if you have less dog-savy relatives or guests. They might inadvertently offer your dog something toxic. Let your dog stay in a safe space, ensuring their safety while allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities without a begging, drooling distraction. It’s beneficial to both your dog and guests! 

Maintain A Routine

It’s hard to maintain a routine during the busy holiday season, especially if you have guests or are traveling.  Dogs tend to do well on a normal routine, so as pet parents, it is our responsibility to keep their daily schedule as close as possible. This includes feeding times, training, and exercise!

I think winter walks are almost the most important aspect of this routine. Daily walks give you and your dog a chance to decompress and help them release energy if they need to be crated or separated later. Plus, going on family walks with guests allows your dog to get to know them in a neutral environment, allowing everyone to be less stressed and more comfortable. 

Enrichment

A young or high-energy dog might be more anxious about all the holiday stressors than a dog used to sudden changes. Instead of just ignoring their barking or crying, try giving them some mental stimulation! Wearing your dog out mentally is often more effective than exercise. Here are some easy doggy enrichment ideas to keep your dog distracted and stress-free. 

1. Stuff a Kong, Marrow Bone, or Licky mat with peanut butter, yogurt, wet dog food, or pureed pumpkin (or whatever your dog’s favorite soft treat is) and pop it in the freezer! The frozen treat will last longer and licking is self-soothing!
2. Offer your dog a long-lasting chew, like a bully stick or Himalayan Yak cheese.
3. Feed them in puzzle feeders or snuffle mats. Or make a puzzle feeder by sprinkling kibble in cardboard or rolled in an old towel.
4. Scatter their kibble in the grass so they have to sniff out their meals. Sniffing is also a natural stress reliever. 
5. Feed your dog in a muffin tin. Bonus to make it more difficult: place tennis balls on top of the kibble, turning it into a puzzle feeder!

Traveling? 

Traveling for the holidays? Before making plans, make sure you feel safe about what you are doing with your dog.

Are they being boarded? Most boarding facilities offer daycare. Prepare your dog for their overnight stay by taking advantage of daycare options, allowing them to acclimate to the boarding facility. 

Does your dog get to come with you on the holiday? Double-check that your accommodation is pet-friendly! 

Final Thoughts

As a dog trainer with five rescue dogs of varying personalities, I have some strategies for managing them during the holidays. Since I typically host Thanksgiving for my family, my goal is for my pups to feel safe while ensuring my guests aren’t overwhelmed by their presence.

I keep preloaded Kongs in my deep freezer for the holidays. On the morning of an event, my dogs get their usual walk—sometimes a bit longer than usual—before going into their crates with their frozen Kongs just before guests arrive. While there is some barking at first, they quickly are more focused on their treats than the incoming guests. By the time everyone leaves, my dogs are usually fast asleep.

Hopefully, you and your canine best friend can discover the best routine that fits your family so everyone can enjoy the holidays stress-free!