The festive season can bring along a lot of stress and anxiety for many people, and this could be the case for your pup too. That’s why we’ve put together these festive season tips to help make this period as stress-free as possible for both people and pets alike!
The festive season brings a lot of happiness and excitement. However, it can also come with some big routine changes which are likely to make your pup feel slightly anxious and stressed. Fluffy may not take very kindly to being in the same house as your energetic nephews or loud Aunty Maggie.
From a house jam-packed with new faces to flashing fairy lights, you will need to make some changes and considerations this Christmas to ensure that the festive season is as fun and happy for your pet as it is for you!
If you are hosting your family this festive season, don’t worry, we have some tips to ensure that you and Rover stay happy and stress-free throughout the festivities!
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Our stress-free festive season tips
1. Take time to plan!
This might be an obvious one, but being organised over the holiday season is the first step to making the festivities run smoothly.
Make a list of all the food that you’ll make, all the presents you will need to buy and what your daily activities will be. Creating a rough day-to-day schedule is the best way to stick to a routine and keep your fur baby at ease.
Planning the festivities ahead of time will allow you to foresee any problems and help to nip them in the bud, as well as spot times where your four-legged friend might feel overwhelmed and need a break. If you want to be extra prepared, plan to cook your Christmas lunch ahead of time.
This will ensure that no food will drop onto the floor (turkey may be fine. Cake and icing, not as nice!) and will ensure that the kitchen isn’t a crazy stampede. Prepping the meal before time will ensure less stress for both you and your pooch!
2. Keep the decorations out of reach
Your precious pooch is guaranteed to be curious about the Reindeer decorations and sparkling baubles hanging from the Christmas tree.
Not all decorations are dangerous for your doggie, however, the electrical lights, glittery stars and small. Father Christmas ornaments can be harmful to your pup should they decide to nibble on them.
Rather than worrying that Spot will get tangled in the tinsel every time your turn around, make sure to keep all Christmas decorations out of reach from your doggie safe and ensure no unplanned vet visits are needed!
Related: Our Tips for Pet Emergency Care This Festive Season
3. Create a ‘calm’ room
Your precious pooch will be used to being able to roam around the whole house and taking a nap wherever there is a cool breeze; however, when the house is filled with your Christmas guests, your pup might feel anxious and feel like they do not have a place to go relax.
If you have an empty spare room, create a cosy, quiet place for your dog to wind down and escape the chaos for a while. If you don’t have a spare room, simply open up your bedroom cupboard or shower and place a comfy bed and some toys inside.
Ensure that you set up this calm space a few days before your guests arrive to ensure that your fur baby knows exactly where to go should they need a break from the festivities!
4. Carve out some time to walk your doggie
The festive season will bring many changes to your usual routine and your pup is likely to feel left out whilst your guests are visiting. It is super-duper important to make time to spend with your pup to keep them from feeling stressed. A great way to spend some quality time together is to take your doggie for a walk or play a game of fetch.
This will allow your dog to burn off some extra energy (which will mean a very tired pup that is likely to nap during your Christmas lunch), as well as allow your pup to get some undivided attention.
You may be exhausted after a full day of entertaining guests, but as a paw-parent, you need to be mindful of your pet’s needs all year long, which means you and Fluffy will need to take a walk around the block. Trust us, the fresh air and exercise will do wonders for both your and your furry friend’s emotional state and will help you burn off some of the Christmas calories!
Read next: 3 tips to finding the pawfect pet sitter for the festive season
There you have it, four top festive season tips to keeping yourself and Fluffy stress-free and happy!
Your Pet Insurance Family,
Oneplan
