Tips for relaxed holidays

 

The pre-Christmas rush, the unfamiliar rhythm of the day, visitors, presents and the noisy turn of the year. Some dogs go completely over the top at Christmas and New Year's Eve, others panic. With our tips you come well into the new year.

At Christmas, the holidays and New Year's Eve, hustle and bustle is not uncommon. Some dogs get really excited and get infected by the stress. Keep these 7 tips in mind for a relaxed holiday season with your dog.

1. emergency numbers ready?

The dog steps into a broken Christmas ball or has thoroughly upset his stomach: It doesn't have to be anything major, but you'll feel better if you have the phone numbers and addresses of the veterinarian on duty, the nearest veterinary clinic with continuous service, the local animal welfare association and shelter, the pet cab and - if that exists in your area - the animal rescue saved on your cell phone or hanging on your bulletin board.

2. small inventory

There are only a few days in a row when stores are closed. Still, it's good to keep track of supplies of necessary medications (note expiration dates), food and treats, chews, toys and reward snacks.

3. new year's eve preparations

For the worst day of the year for some dogs, New Year's Eve, prepare meticulously. Blanket/basket/box are in the familiar corner, shutters are down, windows are closed. For this, when the spectacle begins, turn up the radio or TV, loud and preferably with uninterrupted music.

You stand in the room and throw sausages, pieces of cheese or other delicacies around. Don't feed the dog, but let him look for his treats. Keep him distracted. This will work if you start in time and don't wait until he starts shaking.

4. create quiet zones

Even quiet Christmas and a New Year's Eve party in a small circle bring unrest into the dog's life and unsettle. Animals miss the everyday rituals that sometimes we are not even aware of. A place of retreat - a blanket, an open carrier, a cuddle basket next to the human bed - calms and gives security. Don't wait until the last minute, though. Make this designated place "dear" now and let the dog enjoy its chewing bone there or find undisturbed sleep.

5. leash obligation outside

Even the most stoic dog can lose his nerve if a firecracker bursts or a rocket lands next to him. Especially on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, search reports about dogs pile up, because even during the day you have to reckon with noisy surprises. On these two days absolute leash obligation should prevail. You can romp again next year.

6. gentle sedatives

You can prevent New Year's Eve panic with homeopathic globules, rescue drops (Bach flowers) and pheromone sprays. Globules and Rescue drops are available at the pharmacy (use alcohol-free version), the pheromone spray can be obtained from your veterinarian. In a gentle dose, it sprays a scent that the mother dog also emits, and puts the dog's soul a bit in the puppy state, when the mommy provided protection and security. But even these gentle happiness charms do not help ad hoc. The effect sets in only after about 14 days. So start using them early.

If you want to resort to chemical calming, you and the veterinarian must try out the chosen remedy beforehand, because the effect varies from individual to individual and can be reversed in the worst case. Under no circumstances should you - without consulting your veterinarian - use medications for humans, not even herbal preparations.

7. rock in the surf

If all else fails, if your dog trembles with fear and wants to crawl away, he may do so. With you. You don't comfort him or soothe him. But you are there, holding him in your arms, curling up next to him, letting him climb into bed with you and lie next to you. In doing so, you give him what he needs most: the security that nothing can happen to him because he is with you and you always protect him.

You yourself must radiate calm (not pity), may smile or laugh, tell him a nice story. If he continues to tremble, do not respond to it, but continue to offer him your protection. This is exhausting, but every haunting has an end. Then normality returns to the dog's soul.