How to take care of your four-legged friend during the holidays

The winter holiday season is magical: the house smells like cookies, the tree is shining, and families come together to create unforgettable memories. But while we enjoy this magical atmosphere, our four-legged friends may look at all these changes with a little more skepticism and sometimes even stress. The noises, lights and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming for many dogs, especially when their daily routine is disrupted.

Imagine what it would be like for your four-legged friend to taste one of the tempting decorations on the tree, or how it would feel if guests, who perhaps are strangers to the four-legged friend, wanted to pet him, secretly give him table scraps or hold him in their arms. Even if for us all these things are a natural part of holidays, for our four-legged friend they can be a source of anxiety or sometimes even represent risks to his health.

That’s why it’s crucial to look at the holidays not only with your own eyes, but also with his eyes. How can you make this period special and safe for your four-legged friend? Here are some suggestions:

Provide him with a calm and safe environment

The winter holidays bring with them a lot of joy, but also a high level of noise and commotion that can be overwhelming for dogs. Loud noises such as fireworks and firecrackers often pose the biggest challenge, causing them anxiety, restlessness or even panic. This is why creating a calm and safe environment is essential for the well-being of your four-legged friend.

what can you do

Create a safe space

Your dog needs a place of his own, where he can retreat in times of stress. Prepare a quiet, possibly soundproof room or corner of the house where they have access to food, water, comfortable beds and favorite toys. This space will give him a sense of security and allow him to escape from the general hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Reduce external noise

Close windows and doors to limit sounds, and close curtains or blinds to reduce the bright light from fireworks. Add a pleasant sound source, such as soothing music or white noise, that can mask distracting sounds. Special playlists for dogs are available online and can be of great help in such situations. 🙂 These sounds not only create a relaxing atmosphere, but also help distract the dog from outside noises.

Monitor him and stay with him

Your presence can make a big difference in times like these. If your pet becomes agitated or scared, make sure you are close to him to comfort him. Seeing you calm and peaceful will help him feel safe. Avoid overreacting to outside noises, as your anxiety can be picked up by your dog. Instead, talk to him in a calm tone, pet him gently, and let him come to you if he needs affection.

Maintain daily routine

Dogs feel secure when they have a stable routine. During the holidays, when everything seems to be messed up, maintaining the routine becomes a real anchor for his well-being.

what can you do

Feed him at set times

Even if the holidays mean festive meals and spontaneous moments for us, the quadruped must receive its food at the usual times. If you usually feed him morning and night, stick to that schedule no matter how busy your day is. This regular rhythm will help him feel in control and his stomach will not feel the changes.

Don’t skip regular walks

His daily walking schedule is more than a moment of exercise: it’s his opportunity to explore, burn energy and relax. No matter how busy you are, don’t skip your daily walks. They provide him with an important dose of stability and help maintain his emotional balance.

Take care of your diet

We already know that the holidays are synonymous with hearty meals and culinary delights, but for our four-legged friends, many of these festive dishes can be more dangerous than appealing. Improper nutrition is one of the most common causes of visits to the vet during this period, so it is essential to be cautious and protect him from risks.

what can you do?

Avoid toxic dog foods

Even if you are tempted to share a culinary “treat” with your furry friend, you should know that some foods, delicious for us, can be extremely dangerous for him. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are among the most common foods that are unsafe for dogs. Additionally, holiday foods are often fatty, salty or spicy which, when enjoyed by four-legged friends, can cause digestive problems, diarrhea or vomiting.

If you still want to pamper him in the holiday spirit, prepare him a special dog snack: there are many safe and delicious recipes for dog biscuits, or you can opt for a series of Christmas treats from safepet.ro.

Keep food and drinks away

Dogs are curious by nature, especially when it comes to food. A festive table full of tasty treats is like an open invitation to explore for your four-legged friend. To avoid accidents, store food in inaccessible places and pay attention to packaging. Packaging waste such as aluminum foil, used bags or napkins may be attractive to dogs, but ingesting them can cause intestinal blockages.

Inform guests

If you have visitors, make sure everyone knows the rules. Ask him not to give food to your dog without your permission and explain to him what foods are dangerous for your four-legged friend.

Supervise the decorations

It’s true that Christmas decorations add a special charm to the home, but to dogs they can seem more like tempting toys than decorative objects. The glittering Christmas tree, string lights and festive plants become points of interest that can jeopardize your furry friend’s health.

what can you do

Take care of the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor, but to dogs it can feel like a tree full of new “toys.” So, for the safety of the quadruped but also for the “health” of the tree, make sure it is well secured to prevent it from overturning if your quadruped decides to get too close. Also, try to use safe ornaments that are not small or fragile and can be swallowed or broken. Opt for decorations made from durable materials that don’t break easily.

Protects lights and electrical cables

Exposed wires from light fixtures can be dangerous for dogs who love to chew. Then, hide the cords or organize them so that they are inaccessible to the dog. If possible, use battery-powered systems, thus reducing the risk of electric shock.

Pay attention to other decorations

Any small, fragile or shiny object can become an interesting “toy” for your dog.
Balloons and tinsel, ribbons, gift wrapping or decorative sprays can be dangerous to dogs, turning holiday decor into a potential accident ground. These objects, although delicious for us, can attract the natural curiosity of your four-legged friend, who may perceive them as toys. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious health risks.

Give him security

During the holidays the house is busier than usual: visitors coming and going, packages to bring or deliver, and a constant flow of activity. In this context, doors could be accidentally left open, giving the dog the opportunity to escape unsupervised. Even the most obedient dog can be tempted to explore, putting himself in danger. This is why it is essential to take measures to ensure that your four-legged friend is always safe, even during peak traffic times.

what can you do?

Make sure he always has a locket collar

A medallion collar is one of the simplest and most effective identification methods. Make sure the locket contains essential information such as: the dog’s name, your name and an active phone number;

This medallion can make the difference between the temporary loss and speedy recovery of your dog, especially if someone finds him again. Choose a comfortable collar and make sure the medallion is secure but visible. During busy periods, regularly check that it is in good condition and still in place.

Block access to doors

If you have a lot of guests, use a pet safety gate to limit your dog’s access to the front door.

Train guests

Ask guests to watch the doors and make sure they close them completely when entering or leaving the house.

The holiday season is truly magical, but don’t forget that in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, your dog is counting on you for safety, comfort and a peaceful atmosphere. You definitely want to see him happy during this time too, right?

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