Keep Your Dog Calm This Festive Season

The festive season is full of laughter, cheer, and let’s admit it... chaos! To some extent, we all get caught into the celebration, buying presents, preparing the meals and celebrating. However sometimes our dogs cannot escape from the stress that comes with this time of year. But fear not! There are ways to keep your dog sane even when there is seasonal chaos is all around you.

Classical FM Tuning

As strange as it may appear to many, dogs do enjoy soft music. Classic FM’s Pet Classics is famous for helping your pet, especially on Bonfire night and New Year's Eve.  Classic FM's content is geared towards the animals, especially those with anxiety. 

Put on the works of Bach or Mozart as soon as the fun gets overly festive and you will be surprised at how peaceful your pooch gets. Leaving on background music ensures that sounds from the parties or even people who come in are covered hence making the dog feel relaxed amongst the fun.

Products for Calming Anxious Dogs

There are several calming aids in most pet shops (ours included) which seem to be quite impressive.

Here are a few such products you might consider:

Calming Sprays & Diffusers: Products like Adaptil mimic the natural pheromones that help calm dogs down. Plug-in diffusers release some of these calming scents in the air that your dog can benefit from during these festive gatherings. While many dogs respond positively to these calming sprays and diffusers, it's important to note that not all dogs will react the same way

Calming Supplements: Relaxing natural supplements include chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine among others. These are usually found in table form or in liquid or chewable forms making it easy for you to give it to your dog ahead of stressful times. However, always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements, especially if your dog has any medical conditions.

Calming Coats & Wraps: Products such as the Thundershirt, are claimed to wrap your dog’s body and apply a comforting pressure helping to reduce any anxious feelings associated with festivities.

Long-Lasting Chews for Distraction

Should your dog become somewhat agitated when the festive hustle and bustle begins, a nice edible distraction can help a lot. To keep your dog occupied and calm as you host a major shindig, long-lasting chews are useful and we have some of them available in our online store. These chews are tough, tasty, and satisfying, but always supervise your dog to ensure they chew safely and don’t swallow large pieces.

Dewkes Beefy Sticks: Our beef tendon sticks are not only tough and tasty, but also have long chewing satisfaction, thereby keeping your dog calm and busy while you entertain visitors.

Dewkes Chicken Jerky: Made with 100% chicken breast, the chewy chicken strips are simply too good for your dog, they will indeed help keep your pet’s focus away from the craziness.

Make a Safe Space

Your pooch may usually appreciate a lot of energy on any other day, but during the holidays, there might be a need for some time off away from festivities.

Prepare your sleepy dog a soft bed away from the party and provide them with some of the favourite toys, including those which are chewable. This space can work as a small haven somewhere they can escape to when everything becomes too much.

Try and Maintain the Same Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit and this should be respected especially during the busy times. Follow their standard regime of walks and feeding to make them feel normal. Going for longer walks a few hours before visitors arrive will help burn any excess energy. This prepares your dog to be quite relaxed when the festivities begin.

Interactive Toys for the Dog.

Besides the usual chews, other interesting toys for a dog like puzzle feeders or toys that dispense treats are a great idea for keeping the dog entertained. Such toys can act as a pleasant diversion from the new sounds and sensations surrounding them and can help focus their energy on a fun and distracting activity.

Positive Reinforcement

During this season of fun, rewarding calm behaviour can also be a good idea. For instance, if your dog quiets itself on its bed or sits down when guests arrive, give it a treat for that. This will help them associate calm behaviour with getting attention from you and goodies.

Exercise Before the Celebrations Commence

A dog that has exercised is usually a more relaxed dog! So, ensure you take your dog out for a long quality walk before the celebrations start. A little extra exercise will assist them with burning off some of their energy and so it will be easier for them to unwind when things become hectic later in the day.

A Final Thought

The festive season is hectic for all but it is equally crucial to help your dog with their needs so that you can help your dog stay calm and happy throughout this time of year. Calm techniques – be it music, chews, or soothing aids – will often help make your dog feel safe and calm throughout this season.

For other long-lasting entertaining treats, don’t forget to check out our Dewkes Christmas Dog Gift Box and make this Christmas special for your pet.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general advice. Every dog is unique, and not all calming aids or techniques will work for every pet. Always consult your vet before introducing new products, supplements, or making significant changes to your dog’s routine, especially if your dog has any health conditions.