The holidays are coming up faster than we know it, and many of us are already buying decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and beyond. Now, there is no denying that decorating our homes for the holidays is one of the best parts of the season, but if you have a dog, then you how much our furry friends can get in the way. After all, they do like being the center of attention at holiday parties.
Why Do Some Dogs Destroy Holiday Decorations?
Lots of holiday decorations are, unfortunately, too appealing for our dogs to resist. Everything from dangling tinsel to faux cobwebs catches their eye and piques their curiosity, so it’s not uncommon for dogs to destroy the decorations we spent so much time picking out and putting up. The good news is, there are a number of tips that will keep both your dog and your decorations safe from harm this holiday season.
Tip #1: Safety First
Yes, safety should always be the main priority when it comes to how you decorate your home for the holidays. One of the most important things when choosing your decorations is whether or not they’re potential choking hazards. If your dog loves chewing things to shreds, like napkins, for example, make a point to avoid things like streamers and tinsel that dangle low enough for them to have easy access to. And avoid small décor items that they may see as a new chew toy, like little rubber figurines and so on.
Tip #2: Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
It’s a universal fact that a dog is more likely to engage in destructive behaviors if they’re not being mentally stimulated on a daily basis. Dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be used up during the day, and if they’re not getting adequate play time, and plenty of toys to keep their interest, then they’re going to turn to things around the house that they can take their pent-up energy out on.
The weather gets progressively colder throughout the holiday season, which means that they’re already spending less time outdoors. It’s no surprise then, dogs may get bored and look to your decorations as a way to keep themselves occupied. Find ways to keep their boredom at bay with toys they can play with, treat puzzles, and plenty of walks.
Tip #3: Maintain a Calm Environment
Another reason why your dog may turn to more destructive habits like ruining your holiday decorations is that they’re stressed. Dogs have a tendency to “act out” when they’re stressed and can leave their owners puzzled, scrambling to figure out what it is that their dog is so distressed about. So, consider any potential culprits behind their anxiety, and do what you can to maintain a calm environment inside your home. A little Zen can go a long way. The holidays can be very hectic for us, and we can forget that all of that hustle and bustle can stress out our furry friends just like us. Make sure your dog has places in the home where they can hide when you host holiday gatherings and generally make an effort to give your dog the same amount of attention as you normally do as you navigate a busy holiday schedule.
Tip #4: Stick to Their Routine
Dogs are creatures of routine and can get extremely uneasy with the slightest change, like a later feeding time, a missed walk, or a change in their outdoor time. We know the holidays can bring lots of changes to our daily routines, whether that be more social occasions when we have to leave the dog at home, or simply working later hours at our retail job. Do your best to stick to your dog’s daily routine, because many dogs tend to act out when their routine suddenly changes, and the victim of that acting out can be the holiday decorations that look like toys to them.
Tip #5: Keep Decorations Out of Reach (As Much as Possible)
Of course, one of the most practical tips is keeping holiday decorations as out of reach as possible. For instance, if you’ve holiday knick-knacks that could be mistaken for dog toys, place them on a shelf that’s up high rather than a low coffee table that they could easily climb on top of.
Tip #6: A Little CBD Can Go a Long Way
If it’s stress or anxiety that’s making your dog go after your decorations, consider working some soothing cannabidiol (CBD) into their routine. CBD, the key compound in the hemp plant, is fantastic when it comes to easing their nerves and decreasing destructive behavior, thanks to the cannabinoid’s effect on the nervous system through their endocannabinoid system.
Chill Paws CBD Dog Treats and CBD Oils are formulated just for canines, with clean ingredients, lab-tested hemp extract, and the perfect dosage amounts for their bodies. Just one serving of CBD a day can bring down their stress and hyperactivity so that your holiday decorations are left unscathed this year.
This Holiday Season, Keep Your Decorations Safe from Your Furry Friends
If your holiday decorations end up falling victim to your dog’s insatiable curiosity every year, then consider making some changes this year. After all, our dogs should join in on the holiday fun as part of the family, not be the reason why our big holiday party is in disarray. With some simple methods like the ones above, your dog will be safe and satisfied. Not to mention, once again, away from your garlands, streamers, and baubles this year.
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