Christmas is a very stressful time for everyone, and us anxious dogs are no exception… especially because we pick up on all the stress that our human families are feeling! Please remember that when making decisions about us anxious dogs during the festivities. Even if we have separation anxiety it might be a better idea for us to be put in a crate or safe room away from the commotion during holiday gatherings. Too many people can be overstimulating for a normal dog and be over the top for an anxious dog.
If your dog has separation anxiety even when he is just in a different room than you and your family don’t forget to give him a KONG or a toy stuffed with food so he can be distracted. And of course don’t ever forget your Thundershirt and Rescue Remedy! You can use this stressful time to help your friend get over his dog separation anxiety. Think of it as a training session, where he learns that even if you are still in the house he doesn’t need to be right next to you! My owners did this when working with my dog separation anxiety. They called it building distance… whatever that is!
Happy Howlidays!
Woof!
Manchego the Anxious Dog
PS. Looking for a great Christmas gift for your dog? If you haven’t bought your dog a Thundershirt yet now is a great time! They are having a $10 off sale on the Blue and Pink ones… just enter the code TSHOLIDAY10