There’s a lot to celebrate this time of year! Whether you belong to a religious tradition or your holidays are more of the secular variety, one thing we all have in common is that we want to celebrate with the ones we love. And who deserves our love more than our pets? So, let’s talk about celebrating with your dogs this holiday season!
Cat lovers – worry not! Our next blog will be all about celebrating your cats this holiday season. We knew they wouldn’t want to share a blog with their canine siblings!
Celebrating with Your Dogs – the Basics
Not everything we love is equally as fun for our sweet canines. And some things they think they love aren’t necessarily good for them! So before we get too much into specifics, remember that a)if you have questions about what is safe for your dogs, always ask your favorite Troutville vet, and b) when it’s a question of taste, you’re the expert on your dog, so use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to change course.
The Food
First things first – you can’t celebrate without delicious food! There’s a lot to say about food and the holidays, but we’ve already written a blog all about safe pet holiday foods it and posted it about a month ago – so check that out for details.
For now, suffice it to say that many holiday foods we know and love aren’t good for your furry companions. You can research which foods they can enjoy in moderation, but plan on having something special on hand for them they can enjoy while everyone else is celebrating.
The Company
One important thing to take into account when planning for the holidays with your dogs is the company. There are two equally important things to consider when it comes to dogs and company. Your company isn’t used to your dogs, and your dogs aren’t used to that much company!
Some dogs do great around all kinds of people! But even so, a house full of new faces can be overstimulating. It’s vital to have a safe space where your dog can retreat that’s off-limit to your other guests.
You should also take the time to lay the ground rules for interacting with your dog. That’s especially true for kids.
The Presents
One way you can make your dogs part of the fun is by giving them gifts! You know what they love, so pick out something special.
Whether your dog is a squeaker-seeker, an unstuffer, a tough tugger, or a fetch fanatic, there are plenty of toys out there that will make them happy this season.
You may consider getting toys that help increase mental stimulation so they have a fun way to spend their time in the cold winter months ahead when you may be less likely to take them for a walk or allow them as much time in the yard.
Decorations, Boxes, and Hazards
Finally, Christmas, New Year’s, the winter holidays, and even all the other holidays throughout the year bring unfamiliar items into your home, and some of them may be hazardous to your dogs.
Be careful to put decorations out of reach of mouths and wagging tails. A shattered ornament can be a trip to the ER! Likewise, while you may be able to allow your dog to unwrap its own gift with supervision, you shouldn’t leave them unattended around cardboard and paper, which, if ingested, may cause digestive problems.
Happy Howlidays
While the holidays can bring several hazards to your dogs, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your pets out. If you have other ideas or questions about celebrating your dogs this holiday season, comment below or give us a call!