There’s nothing like the hustle and bustle around the holidays. The decorating! The baking! The entertaining! It’s a whirlwind of activity and merriment.
But let’s face it, the most wonderful time of the year can also be stressful…not only for us but for our dogs, too. The unusual sights, sounds and smells, along with a sudden change in routine, can cause seasonal anxiety in our best friends.
So before things kick into high gear, take the following steps now to make sure your pup has a holly jolly holiday!
1.	Decorate with your dog in mind.
As you’re decking the halls, look at things from your dog’s point of view. Are there dangling cords or twinkly lights he could chew? Lit candles he could knock over? Tinsel he could swallow? A tree he could knock down? Keep hazardous items well above your pup’s level and/or make certain areas off-limits.
2.	Brush up on manners.
If you plan on having guests over the holidays, make sure your dog brushes up on his manners before they arrive. After all, you don’t want him knocking down Great Aunt Edna! So take a few minutes each day to work on basic skills like sit, down, stay and off.
3.	Create a safe space.
Whether your dog is a social butterfly or prefers solitude, create a safe space in a quiet area of the house where they can retreat if they get too overwhelmed. Make sure your guests understand and respect your dog’s need for time away from the festivities.
Humans aren’t the only ones tempted by holiday goodies. Dogs love ‘em, too! But certain foods (and especially too much of them) can cause everything from an upset tummy to more serious health issues like pancreatitis. Keep foods far out of your dog’s reach and remind visitors not to share human food without permission. If they just can’t resist those puppy dog eyes, healthy treats formulated just for dogs – like Full Moon’s Artisanal Jerky – are a much better and safer option.
5.	Do some trip planning.
Traveling for the holidays? Now is the time to make arrangements for your dog. If you can’t take your pup, start investigating options such as in-home pet sitting or doggie daycare. Whichever you choose, do a few trial runs to familiarize them and reduce stress when the time comes to leave. For those who are able to take their dogs along, call ahead to hotels to find out about pet policies and any associated fees. And be sure to check out this previous Full Moon post for more holiday traveling tips!
Planning now will help ensure that the holidays are merry and bright for you and your four-legged family member!