Dear Dog, the holidays are here and it’s time to plan for a safe and happy time. You remember last year? Visitors came, people laughed and talked, the house was full of strange and wonderful smells. Then someone gave you bites of yummy food that made you barf, the kids tried to cram toys in your ears and ride you like a horse, you had too much to eat and next thing you know, you were thrown outdoors, sick and stressed and cold. And then you started to howl. Well, let’s not go there this year.
Stick your diet. Don’t sample the buffet, avoid fatty gravy, and walk away from eggnog. Do not take candy from strangers, even if they are small and cute. Ask your owner for a dog biscuit or kibble snack to settle your tummy before the dinner party.
Get your rest. In the holiday hustle, a good night’s sleep keeps you going through noise, excitement, and strangers sitting on your couch. Go to bed at your regular time and tune out the holiday shows.
Exercise daily. Take your owner for a short walk morning, evening, and any time you both need a break. Do your dog duties, sniff a bush, get an extra pat or butt rub, and go home refreshed.
Find your safe place. Ask your owner to fix your crate, dog gate, bedroom or secret place where you can go and no one bothers you. With water, snuggie, and quiet time, your dog space protects against holiday stress.
Get away. Sometimes a dog needs its own time. Have a backup plan so that if your owner is too stressed or overloaded with holiday chores, you can sleep over with a friend or stay at a doggie spa. Now take this note to your owner and wait for a treat.
