Dog-friendly gifts for a calmer Christmas
Christmas can be a stressful time for many dogs. We have visits from loved ones that the dog may not know, the home is decorated with unusual items, and the tables are laden with treats they're happy to help themselves to. Some dogs can feel a little wary and fearful in these situations, so we've gathered the best gifts to help create a safe and calming Christmas, promoting well-being through gentle activation.
Gentle indoor activities for a harmonious home
Activation doesn't have to mean a whirlwind of activity. The best kind of activation creates balance and harmony, often involving natural behaviours like sniffing, licking, and chewing. These activities help your dog feel calm and content – something they need every day, especially during the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Beyond these, discover other thoughtful gifts to ensure your dog feels secure and relaxed amidst the festive chaos, whether it's excitement or anxiety they're experiencing.
Slow feederThere are now a variety of ways to feed your dog. A slow feeder usually has patterns that make your dog work a little harder to get their food.
Stuffed KongA favourite for many dogs is getting a Kong filled with food or other treats to enjoy. Tip: freezing the contents will make it take longer for your dog to get it out.
Snuffle MatA Snuffle Mat is made from fleece fabric that allows you to hide treats in it and let your dog use their nose to find the food.
LickiMatThere are now a variety of shapes of the so-called LickiMat. You can spread some soft cheese or wet food on it and then let your dog lick up the contents.
Long-lasting chewChew bones are often a big favourite for dogs. Wrap your dog's favourite chew and see if they can open the package themselves. Give the chew bone at the time of Christmas when things are most chaotic for your dog. For some, it may be when all the guests arrive, for others, when it's time to eat Christmas dinner.
Extra peace of mind during the holidays
The busy Christmas period can mean open doors, altered routines, and more people coming and going. GPS and health trackerscan add an extra layer of security and reassurance during this time. If your dog were to slip out unnoticed, GPS tracking helps you quickly locate them, while health and activity insights give you a better understanding of how your dog is coping with the increased stimulation and changes in routine.
Lassie customers can claim a Tractive GPS and health tracker device as part of their cover; a subscription is required.
Dogs thrive on quiet time away from the commotion
Whether your dog loves being around everyone or is a little wary of new people, they thrive on quiet, alone time. Give your dog a break from the festive celebrations to recharge. You can provide a secluded room or a comfortable bed for them to rest.
Cosy dog bedDoes your dog find it hard to relax when their surroundings are busy? Then perhaps this year's Christmas gift could be a cosy dog bed for your dog to rest on. Remember to always place your dog's favourite items on their bed to make them feel comfortable. This could be their daily frozen Kong, their chew bone or their meal. It is important that everyone in the party knows not to approach the dog when it is resting on the bed. This makes the bed a safe zone for your dog to gather new energy.
A long walk in the woodsGive your dog a long walk in the woods away from the Christmas baking and the busy environment that Christmas can bring. Your dog will need a break from the festive celebrations, and one way to do that is to take a long walk in the woods together. Let your dog go at their own pace and use their natural behaviours such as sniffing, digging, galloping, and balancing on logs.
