Christmas is coming, and many of us are currently in the midst of our festive planning. It might look a little different this year, of course, thanks to the continuing disruption caused by the pandemic, but there is still much to look forward to.
But while in the planning stage, we shouldn’t forget about our four-legged friends. Dogs love Christmas too, so we should do what we can to ensure they have a wonderful time over the festive period.
Here are some ideas both you (and your dog) will find useful.
1: Buy your dog a present (or two)
When you’re busy unwrapping gifts with your family on Christmas morning, you don’t want to leave your dog out of the equation. Admittedly, he might be more than happy with the wrapping and cardboard that he can chew into after you have created a merry old mess, but you should still buy him a gift or two of his own. Ideas? Well, how you could buy a calming dog bed, that is both comfortable to sleep on and a place for him to calm down if he gets anxious or overly-excited. Or how about some new toys to play with? Especially if his other toys are looking past their best, he might appreciate something new to chew on. Or perhaps something functional, like a new water dish, a brand new collar, or a warm jacket for his winter walks.
2: Keep safety in mind
Your dog won’t have a very happy Christmas if he becomes ill over the chilly season, so do all you can to create a hazard-free zone. Put your tree out of reach if you can, as pine needles, once consumed, can cause your dog to feel unwell, and the same applies to your tree decorations. Holiday plants can be toxic to dogs, such as mistletoe and berries, so think about this when decorating your home. And while your dog will be desperate to eat the leftovers on your Christmas dinner plate, remember that some festive foods are bad for dogs. Brussell sprouts are okay to feed him (your kids will be pleased), but check out this list of toxic Christmas foods before putting anything in his dinner bowl.
3: Spend time with your dog
There will be times when you might have to shut your dog away for a while, such as when you’re entertaining any guests with fur allergies, or when you’re busy decorating the tree or cooking dinner. However, don’t leave pooch alone for too long. Christmas is a time for families, after all, and your dog is a valued member of your clan! So, let him sit with you all when you’re watching your Christmas Day movies. Play with him when he starts to get a little restless. And keep up with your usual walking routine, as both you and your dog will need the exercise after eating bounteous amounts of festive food.
So, paws for thought, and do what you can for your dog this Christmas. Like you, he will want to have a good time over the festive period, so treat him well, keep him safe, and enjoy spending time with him.
