The festive season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration, however as many dog owners will know, the celebrations can lead to heightened dog anxiety at Christmas. Changes in routine, unfamiliar guests, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays – these are all things that could potentially be a source of stress and anxiety for our canine buddies.
Fortunately, there are practical steps dog owners can take to keep their pooches calm and content throughout the festivities.
Understanding dog anxiety at Christmas
Dog anxiety during Christmas isn’t uncommon. In fact, according to research by The Kennel Club, 40% of dog owners noticed a change in their dog’s mood during the festive season. In many cases, those surveyed stated that their pooch seemed unhappy and stressed by the unfamiliar noises and people in the home.
A big trigger for anxiety or stress in dogs is a change in their daily routine. Studies have shown that one in five dog owners admit that their dog’s routine is disrupted over the Christmas period. As a species that thrives on routine, it comes as no surprise that a sudden change in routine is hugely upsetting for our doggy pals.
The Christmas season brings increased noise levels, flashing lights, and crowded homes that can overwhelm even the most confident canine. Symptoms of anxiety can manifest as excessive barking, restlessness, hiding, or even destructive behaviours such as destroying presents and bringing down the Christmas tree!
However, recognising these signs early is key to addressing the issue effectively, so that your home remains a safe haven for your dog.
Preparing your dog for the festive season
As they say, prevention is always better than cure and this certainly rings true for dog anxiety at Christmas. By taking proactive steps, you can help your dog feel more at ease as the festivities unfold.
Create a safe space
- Set up a quiet, cosy area in your home where your dog can retreat if things get too overwhelming.
- Use familiar items like their bed, blanket, and favourite toys to make it comforting.
- Ensure the space is away from loud noises and foot traffic.
Gradual introduction to decorations
Christmas decorations may look magical to us, but they can be alarming to dogs, especially when they appear suddenly.
- Introduce decorations gradually over several days to let your dog acclimate.
- Avoid decorations that are noisy or have strong scents, as these can be unsettling.
- Secure decorations safely to prevent accidents if your dog decides to investigate.
As an extra point, the arrival of the Christmas tree can prompt frantic rearranging of the furniture. This can certainly confuse your dog, so perhaps re-position the furniture gradually and in advance of the tree installation. Your choice of Christmas tree is also important and there are pros and cons of choosing between a real tree and an artificial one. With a real tree, you are introducing a strange smell to your dog, who will be used to coming across trees in the woods rather than their living room!
Managing your dog’s anxiety during Christmas festivities
When the big day arrives, maintaining a calm environment can make all the difference for your dog.
Minimise exposure to stressors
- Limit the number of guests in your home at any given time.
- Inform visitors not to approach or overwhelm your dog, especially if they are already nervous.
- Keep your dog away from busy areas like the dining table or the tree where there’s more activity.
It is also crucial to be mindful of young children. While dogs are wonderful companions for children, some dogs are simply not used to being around little ones. Particularly at Christmas, toddlers and young children may not understand that their gestures of affection towards your dog are unrequited! If you do have children visiting your home over Christmas who are not familiar with dogs, be sure to set boundaries around your dog’s personal space and show the children what your dog likes and dislikes when it comes to affection.
Stick to their routine
By nature, dogs thrive on routine, so maintaining their usual feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules can provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Even small disruptions can increase anxiety levels, so plan to keep their daily rhythm intact. Remember your dog has feelings too and may feel neglected with all the attention being directed elsewhere – so be sure to give them the same one-on-one time that they are used to.
Stay calm yourself
As much as it is a wonderful holiday, Christmas can be a stressful time for us humans too. Pets are equally tuned into their owner’s mood and can often pick up on the stressed-out vibes in the home. Simply put, if you’re anxious and stressed about all the festivities, your dog will be too! Try to stay calm and relaxed, and this will reassure your pooch.
Provide calming aids
Natural calming aids, like VETIQ’s Serene Calming Range, can be a helpful addition to your dog’s care routine during the festive period. Available in a variety of forms such as tablets, drops, treats and ointment, these calming solutions contain the very best of natural ingredients that help reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness, ensuring your dog remains relaxed and happy.
Practical tips for dog anxiety at Christmas
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind as you navigate the holiday season:
- Exercise before events: A tired dog is often a calm dog. A long walk or play session before festivities can help burn off excess energy.
- Use white noise: Christmas is usually a time for watching movies, and playing loud games and music, which can be disturbing for your dog. Having soft music playing or white noise can mask unfamiliar sounds that might trigger anxiety.
- Avoid overfeeding treats: While it’s tempting to share Christmas goodies, sudden dietary changes can upset your dog’s stomach, adding to their discomfort. Stick to their usual diet rather than offering them delicious turkey and stuffing. If you have an extra peckish pooch, you can treat them to some delicious healthy dog treats from the VETIQ Healthy Treats Range or make some of the festive treats we shared here.
- Keep harmful items out of reach: From chocolate to tinsel to broken baubles, many Christmas items are hazardous to dogs. Keeping these out of their reach reduces stress for you and your pet.
Long-term strategies for managing dog anxiety at Christmas
While Christmas may bring short-term challenges, addressing your dog’s overall anxiety can provide lasting benefits.
- Desensitisation training: Gradually exposing your dog to triggers in a controlled environment can help them become less reactive over time.
- Socialisation: Regular interaction with people and other dogs can build confidence and reduce anxiety in social situations.
- Consult a professional: If your dog’s anxiety persists, seek advice from a veterinarian or behaviourist to explore tailored solutions.
Create a happy and calm home for your dog this Christmas with VETIQ
Helping your dog manage anxiety this Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some careful preparation and ensuring there’s little to no disruption in your dog’s daily routine, both you and your pet can enjoy the festive season together.
Give your dog the gift of a stress-free Christmas and enjoy the festive season with peace of mind with the Serene Calming range. By taking these thoughtful steps, you’ll not only reduce your dog’s anxiety but also create a happier, more harmonious home for the holidays.
From all the team here at VETIQ, Merry Christmas to you and your furry babies!
