It’s that time of year again – Christmas (followed closely by New Year). And if the traffic is anything to go by (and I am a mobile practitioner, so I’m on the road fairly often), holiday preparations are in full swing. The schools have let out for summer, and the shopping intensity is increasing. So, too, are the rates of pre-Christmas stress.
Holiday plans, parties, travel, new guests coming to stay, and presents and food to buy and prepare should be happy things, but a lot of people get stressed by them, too.
Have you ever thought about the impact of Christmas on your dog?
Our dogs also suffer stress. With the changes in routine and surroundings that Christmas brings, we shouldn’t be surprised if our dogs get stressed.
Some will become destructive, such as unwrapping presents under the tree or chewing on ornaments/lights. (These are also a health hazard, of course.) Others may show their stress through lip-licking and yawning, backing away, going off their food, pacing, tucking their tail under, etc.
It’s important to know the signs of a stressed dog and to do something to lower your dog’s anxiety.
Ensure your dog has a safe space at home – like a crate or a bedroom – where they can retreat when they have had enough.
Play calming music, spray the room with calming mixtures of essential oils, Bach flower remedies, or Adaptil.
And do your very best to keep your dog on a regular routine. Meal times and walks are things that your dog has come to count on at certain times of the day. Don’t mess about with these ‘certains’ in their life – it helps to keep stress in check.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 