Easing your dog's holiday anxiety: from snuffle mats to recognizing stress signs

The holidays can often be a time of increased anxiety for your dog. The influx of people, noise, and environmental changes can place stress on your pet, and they may struggle to manage their emotions. If you anticipate your pet will experience stress during the holidays, it's helpful to know how to use exercises to distract them from their surroundings. This will not only improve their comfort but also prevent any disruptions during family gatherings.

A nervous dog can exhibit behaviors quite different from their norm. They might become defensive, even possibly growling at a person disrupting their peace. Alternatively, they may choose to hide in the corner of the room, and in some cases, even lose bowel control. With the holiday season making it difficult to shield our pets from visitors, it's crucial to learn techniques to sooth our pets and reduce their stress levels.

To best soothe your dog, take into account their personality first. A small, vocal dog will naturally resort to loud barking when they see strangers. Understand that this is part of their nature, and you cannot simply "switch them off". The same goes for spirited dogs prone to leaping with excitement upon seeing strangers. In this situation, it is most effective to ignore them, not encourage their disruptive behavior.

Once your pet has sobered down, handing them a toy to engage their attention could be beneficial. A great solution for this is the use of snuffle mats. These mats allow you to tuck treats into their layers, spurring the dog on a quest to retrieve them. This will capture their attention for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy your gathering undisturbed by worries about your pet's happiness.

A threatened dog can become unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Picture a stranger touching the dog, followed by a shrieking child. As an owner, it's your responsibility to prevent such situations by intervening as quickly as possible to avoid any unintentional injury.

The initial step is to distract your pet from the stressor and move to a room away from people and overstimulation. Patiently wait for your pet to calm down, offering treats to divert their focus. You may find toys and petting to be useful too. Sometimes, taking your dog for a walk may be a good idea, helping them expend energy, complete their toilet routine, and calm down. Behaviorists recommend isolating your dog from guests if they don't respond well to strangers. If you're anxious about leaving your pet alone, consider purchasing a crate to limit any potential trouble while you're away.