The Christmas season is fast approaching, and as you prepare your home for the festivities, don't forget to get your furry friend ready for Christmas too. With a little extra attention and planning, you can ensure that your dog enjoys the holiday season just as much as you do. In this article, we'll share some tips on how to prepare your pup for Christmas, including a visit to the groomers, sprucing up before guests arrive, enrichment games, and choosing the right chew toys to keep them going.
Plan Your Dog Wash
Start the holiday preparations by booking an appointment with your dog's groomer - appointments are already becoming scarce! A clean and well-groomed pup not only looks great in family photos but also feels comfortable and happy during the festivities. Discuss your dog's specific needs with your groomer, such as trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, or getting a festive holiday coat. If you prefer to wash your dog at home, make sure you are stocked up on Ruby Reese dog shampoo.
Sprucing Up During Christmas
Before your holiday guests arrive, give your dog's coat some extra love with a gentle brushing and a leave-in conditioner. Brushing helps remove loose fur, prevents matting, and stimulates blood flow to their skin. Using a leave-in conditioner can keep their coat soft and shiny while saving your guests clothes from too much shedding even with a short-coated dog. Using a conditioning spray with a mild, fresh scent can help your dog’s coat smell great too.
Enrichment Games
The Christmas season often means more time spent indoors, so it's crucial to keep your dog mentally engaged. Enrichment games are an excellent way to exercise their minds and keep them entertained. Some ideas include:
- Hide and Seek: Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them. This not only provides mental stimulation but also satisfies their natural scavenging instincts.
- Puzzle Toys: Invest in puzzle toys designed for dogs. These toys challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and provide hours of entertainment.
- Snuffle Mats: A good snuffle mat will also keep your dog’s brain very active as they search out the treats.
- DIY Enrichment Box: Create your own treat dispensers by placing small treats in empty toilet paper rolls and folding the ends closed - your dog will have to figure out how to get to the goodies. You can increase the difficulty by placing these in boxes, like the Ruby Reese postage box.
Chew Toys
During the holiday season, your dog may be exposed to many tempting and potentially hazardous items, like ornaments, wrapping paper, and leftover food. To keep them occupied and safe, provide a variety of chew toys. Chewing is a natural stress reliever for dogs and can help prevent destructive behaviour. Look for durable, safe chew toys that will withstand the way that your dog usually plays or chews and won't break apart easily.
Getting your dog ready for Christmas is a wonderful way to ensure that they feel included and cared for during this festive time of year. A visit to the groomers, maintaining a shiny well-brushed coat, enrichment games, and the right chew toys can help keep your dog happy, healthy, and entertained throughout the holiday season. Remember to also be mindful of your dog's specific needs and comfort, and don't forget to enjoy the special moments of celebration together. Happy holidays to you and your furry companion!
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