Managing the Holidays with Your Dog

The Holidays are the best time of the year! Family and friends gather to spend time, and share with each other. While it's a blessing to be around family and friends during Thanksgiving and Christmas, sometimes it can be less than a blessing on you four legged companion. 

Some dogs have problems managing being around large groups of people, especially if they're strangers. if your dog is protective of the house then that can compound the problem. Below we've listed a few ways to managing your pup during the holidays.

1. Keep Pot and Pan Handles pointed towards the inside of the Stove
The best food of the year is cooked during the holidays! It's only natural that even the best behaved and trained pup will want to take a look at what is making those great smells. Even though you will be keeping a very close eye on them, it would be best to keep them out of the kitchen altogether, for their and the cook's safety.

If that isn't an option then making sure all the pots and pans handles are pointed towards the inside. This way, even if your pup does jump up on the edge of the stove, they won't topple whatever is cooking down onto themselves. It can be life threatening depending on how hot and what it was that they hit. Keep yourself, your pup, and your food safe!

​2. Stock up on chews and treats
Keeping your dog occupied is the best way to keep them happy and more importantly, out of trouble. Some chews and treats last longer than others; here are a few of my favorite:

Peanut butter kongs are a personal favorite, since they're the most economical. The rubber kong lasts for over a year, and peanut butter is a cheap healthy treat. Especially when they're frozen, they last a long while.

3. Move their Kennel to a Quiet Part of the House
If their kennel is larger this is definitely something you will want to do ahead of time. Getting their kennel moved in your bedroom or into a quiet part of the house that won't receive much foot traffic. This will give them a quiet place to have their own space, and be able to chew, relax, and sleep in piece.

4. Keep Dangerous Leftovers out of Reach
Keep in mind what your dog can get into that can be harmful, even life threatening. Cooked chicken and turkey bones will splinter when crunched on. These shards will pierce your dogs stomach or intestines and without emergency medical attention will kill them. Onions and grapes are also commonly found in holiday foods that dogs cannot have.

5. Make a Reservation for Daycare or Boarding
If you want your pup to play with their friends and have a stress free vacation during the holidays, make a reservation for daycare or boarding! They'll have a great time away from home, and you can relax knowing they're safe, sound, and happy. Wag Atlanta Pet Resort is open 24/7 and does daycare everyday, even Thanksgiving and Christmas!