Dog Behavior to Watch for During the Holiday Season

The holidays are a busy time of year for people, and all the hustle and bustle can affect dogs, too.

Out of town guests, travel plans or even just a change to the daily routine can be stressful for your dogs, sometimes causing them to hide or shy away in fear. Some dogs may even respond to additional stress by showing signs of aggression.

But don’t worry; dogs and holidays don’t have to be mutually exclusive. There are some things you can to help ease the stress your dog may be experiencing at this time of year.

• Stay on a Schedule: Keep your daily routine the same as much as possible. That means feeding, walking and playing with your dog at the usual times.
• Offer a Comfort Zone: Provide a safe place for your dog to escape to. A quiet bedroom where your dog can go to get away from the commotion and be alone may help to alleviate anxiety.
• Meet and Greet with Caution: Don’t force your dog to interact with new people or unfamiliar pets. Allow your dog to initiate the contact.