The festivities of your pup’s first holiday season can be a little scary, stressful, and downright weird for him. Why are there some weird looking dogs with sticks on their heads in the front yard? To help your pup through what can be a stressful season, we’ve suggested a few tips to ensure that everything in your pup’s world is calm (and bright).
A quiet night
One of the most important things you can do is create a safe place for your pup to escape to if your holiday festivities take a little time out. Also festive for them. Place their crate (or bed) in a quiet room with some of their favorite toys and some treats. This will make a nice and cozy place where they can retreat, if necessary. Also, place their food and water bowls nearby so they don’t have to go back into the party to eat or drink. Whether your puppy is potty trained or still learning, it’s a good idea to take him out every few hours and not wait for him to tell you he has to go. They may be too scared to let you know their usual manner.
Say Whoa About Puppy Hugs
It’s inevitable that when your friends and family visit you (or you visit them), they’ll want to play with your adorable pup. Because who doesn’t love puppy cuddles? However, your pup may not feel the same way. Meeting new people can be overwhelming, especially if your pup hasn’t had much socialization training yet. It’s a good idea to ask your visitors to refrain from cuddling immediately and give your pup time to get to know everyone.
Your pup may also meet new canine friends during the holidays. Before visiting friends or family members who have dogs, check that their dogs are tolerant of puppies – an older dog could get grumpy very quickly with a young whippersnapper biting his ears. Take the introduction slowly and watch for signs that either dog is uncomfortable with the situation.
Food, glorious food (but it’s not for puppies!)
One thing your pup will be very excited about during the holidays is the smell of ALL. THIS. FOOD. Their little noses will work overtime trying to find the source of those mouth-watering scents. While it’s tempting to give your pup a treat off your plate, giving table scraps or other human treats isn’t a good idea, as it could lead to stomach issues – and cope. Puppy diarrhea is not the best welcome for house guests. So, keep the treats puppy-friendly to avoid the added stress of the holidays (for both of you).
Remember to keep grapes and raisins, alcohol, chocolate, and sugar-free candy and pastries (which may contain xylitol) away from a curious pup’s mouth, as all of these can be toxic for dogs.
Avoid the holiday hazards
In a previous article, we talked about 12 Christmas dangers for pets, and some of them are worth highlighting again, as they can definitely add holiday stress to your pup. First, puppies chew — they do and they do it well. Protect them from unwanted shock by covering exposed electrical cords in a protective enclosure, taping them, or securing them under a rug. Or, if your pup is an avid chewer, you may need to skip the lights this year. And be sure to turn off and unplug lights when you’re away from home.
The other main dangers for puppies are all the pretty things they shouldn’t eat. Ornaments, garlands and small toys can be dangerous for puppies to chew or swallow. Broken ornaments and sharp toys can cause cuts in the mouth, and if they swallow small toy parts or tinsel, it could cause injury or intestinal blockage.
Holiday plants are another unmanageable hazard. Mistletoe, Christmas or English holly and, to a lesser extent, poinsettias can cause gastrointestinal upset. So keep them out of your puppy’s reach.
Should they stay or should they go?
Traveling during the holidays can add a whole other layer of stress for your pup. Stealing can be especially stressful for any dog, not just puppies. If you have to fly, it might be best to look into pet care options for your pup while you’re away, such as a pet sitter or friends. Staying home can also be a good idea for puppies that haven’t yet had their full round of vaccinations. If you plan to take your puppy on a trip, check with your veterinarian that it’s okay for your puppy to travel.
If you are traveling by car, it is a good idea to crate train your puppy so that he is safely contained and you are not distracted by a puppy bouncing on the seats or trying to jump out the window. A rule of thumb used by some veterinarians and professional dog trainers is that your pup should not spend more than one hour in the crate for each month of age, up to nine to ten hours. However, others advise not to exceed four to five hours at a time (with the exception of the night). For more tips on traveling safely with your puppy, check out this article.
The first holiday season with your pup will be fun and memorable. Remember to keep tempting dangers away from your pup and provide him with a peaceful place to enjoy the festivities from afar.
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