Techniques To Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy During the Christmas Season

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they bring unique challenges and stress to our pets. Unfamiliar decorations, visitors, loud noises, and tempting treats can all be to blame. This article will guide you in ensuring your pet stays calm and happy through the joyous holiday season.

Choosing Safe Decorations

All decorations used around the house should be non-toxic and safe for pets. Remember to read the fine print on the boxes and avoid decorations with materials like lead, tinsel, or sharp edges, as they can be dangerous if ingested or played with. Avoid decorations with small, removable parts, as they may pose a choking hazard.

Instead, consider using pet-safe alternatives such as:

• Wooden ornaments
• Felt or fabric decorations
• Dried citrus slices
• Pinecones
• Homemade salt dough ornaments

Securing Decorations

All holiday decorations should be safely secured to protect your pets from eating or getting hurt by them. 

• Secure your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling. 
• Use pet-safe tree skirts or barriers to prevent your pet from accessing the tree’s water or knocking it over. Hang fragile or breakable ornaments higher up on the tree, out of reach of curious paws and wagging tails, and keep electrical cords and lights tucked away and secured to prevent chewing or entanglement.

Safe Food and Treats for Dogs and Cats

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Pets

Many traditional holiday foods can be harmful or even toxic to pets. Avoid giving your furry friend any of the following:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many baked goods)
• Onions and garlic
• Raisins and grapes
• Fatty or salty foods
• Bones (cooked or raw)
• Alcohol

Dog-Friendly Holiday Treats

Instead of sharing your holiday treats with your pup, consider making them special goodies. Here are some delicious and pet-safe recipes to try:

1. Turkey & Sweet Potato Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Lean Ground Turkey
• 1/4 Cup of Unsweetened Applesauce
• 3/4 Cup of Quick Oats
• 1/2 Cup of Sweet Potato (Fully cooked and mashed/pureed)
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Chopped Parsley (or 1 tbsp of dried parsley)

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel your sweet potato. Add your sweet potato to boiling water, boil for 20 minutes – or until soft, remove sweet potato from water, mash with a fork, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F
3. Chop fresh parsley.
4. Measure all ingredients into a mixing bowl and use your hands to combine the ingredients.
5. Scoop a teaspoon-size amount of turkey mixture and form it into meatballs. Add each meatball to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes and check for doneness. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. See additional recipe notes*

2. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats (old fashioned, 1-minute oats, or instant), , plus more if needed- see instructions
• ⅓ cup pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder.
3. Add the pumpkin and peanut butter and blend until a sticky dough forms.
4. Remove from the processor and roll out on a lightly floured surface. (Use whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another flour that you have on hand). Cut out cookies using a small cookie cutter of any shape, or alternatively, just cut into squares with a knife.
5. Lay the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the treats are dry and hard. Let cool before giving to your pup, and then store in an airtight container. They should be kept for at least a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, or frozen.

Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• (1) large sweet potato
• (2) tablespoons olive oil
• (1) tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2. Wash your sweet potato thoroughly and then slice it into ⅓” thick slices. 
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each sweet potato slice on both sides with olive oil and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Bake in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Flip over and bake for another 1.5 hours or until tough and chewy all the way through.
5. Let cool before giving to your pooch.
6. Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Turkey Pumpkin Squares

Ingredients:

• (1) lb or 454 g of Ground Turkey
• (1 ¾) Cup Dog Child Grain Free Meal Mix
• (1) Can of Pure Pumpkin
• (1 ½) Cup of Water
• (1) Tablespoon of Omega Oil

Instructions:

1. Cook your ground turkey and add in your Dog Child Grain Free Meal Mix according to the package directions.
2. Add the mixture into a square pan and press down to ensure it is compact.
3. Add pumpkin on top.
4. Pop in the freezer for 1-2 hours, cut into squares, and let your pup enjoy.

Cat-Friendly Holiday Treats 

Cats can also enjoy special treats during the holidays. Consider giving them small amounts of cooked, unseasoned turkey or chicken. Or, try making these simple catnip treats:

Catnip Treats

Ingredients:

• (2) tablespoons oil (coconut or olive)
• (1 1/4) cups flour – plus additional flour for rolling dough.
• (1) tablespoon dried catnip optional
• (3/4) cup finely shredded carrot
• (1) large egg, lightly beaten
• cold water as needed

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, add oil and mix in 1 cup of the flour until the mixture looks sandy.
4. Stir in catnip and carrots.
5. Mix in egg. Add a little water if the mixture looks too dry and isn’t holding together. Add a little flour if the mixture looks too wet and sticky. 
6. Sprinkle the flat surface with a little additional flour and roll or pat the dough to ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle dough with additional flour as needed.
7. Prick dough all over with a fork. Use a pizza wheel to cut dough into 1/2-inch squares.
8. Arrange squares on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 12 minutes or until starting to brown. (Bake longer for drier texture.)
10. Cool on a baking sheet.
11. Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage. (If baked to a softer texture, store in the refrigerator.)

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to treats, even if they are pet-friendly. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Managing Visitors and Guests

The holiday season can stress pets who are used to quiet. Prepare your pet and set boundaries with guests to ensure a calm, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Preparing the Dog for Guests

Before guests arrive, take the time to exercise and mentally stimulate your dog. A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog. Also, give your dog a quiet, comfy space to retreat if they get overwhelmed.

Safe Interactions with Guests

Establish clear rules with guests regarding interactions with your pet. Inform them of your pet’s boundaries and preferences, and ask them to respect your pet’s space. Watch all interactions between your pet and guests. Be ready to intervene if your pet gets uncomfortable or overstimulated.

Coping with Noise 

For many pets, these loud noises can be incredibly stressful and even traumatic.

Creating a Safe Space

Provide your pet with a safe, quiet space to retreat to during loud events, This space should block noise. It must have comfy bedding, toys, and familiar scents. You can try calming aids. Pheromone diffusers and anxiety wraps may help your pet relax.

Pheromone diffusers are devices designed to release synthetic versions of naturally occurring chemicals, known as pheromones, that animals use to communicate with each other. These diffusers are commonly used to help manage stress, anxiety, and behavior issues in pets, particularly cats and dogs. 

Recognizing Signs of Discomfort or Stress

Be aware of the signs that your pet is stressed or uncomfortable during the holidays. These signs may include:

• Panting
• Trembling
• Pacing
• Excessive drooling
• Hiding
• Loss of appetite
• Destructive behavior

Emergency Preparedness

Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen during the holidays. It’s crucial to be prepared and have a plan in place to ensure your pet’s safety.

• Keep your vet, local animal hospital, and pet poison control hotlines handy.
• Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip info. This is vital if they get lost or escape during the commotion.
• Know the locations of pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities. You may need to evacuate your home in an emergency.

Prepare a pet emergency kit. It should include your pet’s medical records, medications, food, water, and other essentials.