Keeping The Holidays Safe and Jolly For Your Dog

The holidays are just around the corner and while they can be a very happy time of year, they can also be very stressful, as much for our dogs as for us. We've got some tips to help you and your dog enjoy a safe, happy and calm holiday season!
Try to keep a regular routine. During the holidays, some houses go through what is essentially an overhaul of new decorations, intermittent visitors, and the dog's routine changing due to everyone being extra busy. These changes can be challenging for even the most adaptable dogs. Help your dog by keeping things as close to their normal routine as possible, including walks, feeding, and play times. Introduce new holiday décor more gradually, instead of all at once! Do consider that new sights and sounds can be frightening to them. 
Try to separate your dog from decorations that are potentially dangerous or disturbing. These holiday hazards should be secured and kept out of your dog’s reach:
- Tinsel
- Dishes of holiday candies
- Poisonous holiday plants
- Garbage bags with leftovers in them
- Cooked animal bones (cooked bones splinter and are not safe for your dog to eat)
- Extra electrical cords for holiday lights
- Glass ornaments 
- Edible ornaments
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Don’t allow your dog to be tempted enough to injure themselves trying to reach something they want to eat or play with! Whether your Christmas tree is live or artificial, be sure to fence it off with an exercise pen so they don’t ingest parts of it or try to drink the water in the base.
- If you have candles in your home, be sure they are lit only when you are there to supervise and are kept out of your dog's reach so they don’t get burned.
- Supervise and limit exposure to guests and increased activity by creating a safe haven for your dog. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a durable crate. When used appropriately, a crate can be calming as it gives them a private, quiet space of their own. This is especially important during the hectic holiday season. As guests and activities transform your dog’s domain into unfamiliar ground, his crate remains familiar and comfortable. Plus, crates help keep your dog away from decorations and other hazards.
- While you are out shopping for holiday gifts, you may consider shopping for a few things for your dog which may help them maintain calm and occupied during holiday gatherings.
- If you are hosting a holiday party, secure your dog to a confined area or room. People entering/exiting your home may accidentally leave a door ajar, which could result in your dog escaping. 
- Guest dogs that your family or friends bring over should be acquainted with your dog prior. Because of potential stressors stacking up, your dog may not enjoy the company of other pets during this hectic time.
**A few calming aids to help take the edge off: **
- Adaptil: A synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural pheromones a mother dog releases when lactating to calm their babies and themselves. This comes in a wall plug-in and a spray which you can put on your dog’s bedding or on a bandana for them to wear. 
- Rescue Remedy: A flower essence formula, Rescue Remedy is one of the best known natural stress relief remedies. It is especially useful for distressing events or situations and can bring about calmer feelings, reducing anxiety.

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