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Avoiding Turkey Day Trauma
11/14/06
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Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Thanksgiving is a week away, so it's time for some real life tips for keeping everyone (pets and people) safe and happy on what can be a tumultuous day.
Greeting Guests
but if you have unfamiliar children visiting, you must supervise, supervise, supervise. Both the children and the dog need advocates. Your young nephew might be embarrassed to admit that he's a little scared of Fido. Or you might notice that Sarah the toddler is pulling Fido's ears, but he can't find an escape route.
If your dog is truly uncomfortable around kids, or vice versa, don'tjeopardize anyone's safety. Find a safe, quiet spot, give him something to chew on, and let your dog relax by himself for the day.
Chill Time
From a dogs' perspective, Thanksgiving Day can be loud, confusing, stimulating and annoying. Heck, that sounds like my perspective too! (Kidding - I love Thanksgiving) Many dogs – especially senior dogs - appreciate the chance to get away from the hubbub of the day for some alone-time. Dogs don't always know when they need to take a break, and the result is usually punchy, mischievous behavior.
Set up your dog's crate or bed in a quiet room and give him an hour or two to rest. He might protest at first, but a Macho Stick will help to pass the time until the tryptophan kicks in.
Begging
It's cute. It's annoying. It's both. Rather than fight the losing battle of "Fido get down! Uncle Eric - stop giving Fido your sweet potatoes!", it might be best to schedule Fido's chill time during the dinner hour. That way you can focus on family gossip and not have to worry about policing Fido and your relatives.
Household Turmoil
There are coats on the couch! Strange men yelling at the TV set! The garbage can is in the middle of the floor! There's an unattended turkey carcass on the counter! Most dogs prefer a life of predictability, and the turmoil of a house full of guests can be a blessing and a curse for them.
Expect that your normally perfect dog might take advantage of the change of pace. He might decide to sleep on top of the coat pile, or tip the unattended garbage can over. Dogs are opportunists - even the best-trained dogs find it hard to resist a sure thing (my dogs didn't need much coaxing to dive into the garbage can for the above photo!).
Don't forget to give your dog more frequent potty breaks during the day. Excitement and stimulation make urine!
The Day After; Cooked Bones
Cut-to-the-chase advice: no cooked bones!! Cooked bones are dangerous for dogs because they can splinter and cause intestinal perforations. And who wants to spend Black Friday in the emergency clinic?
=============
Zeke and Sumner wish you a trouble-free Thanksgiving Day, and a happy Turkey Nap!
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Avoiding Turkey Day Trauma
Thanksgiving is a week away, so it's time for some real life tips for keeping everyone (pets and people) safe and happy on what can be a tumultuous day.
Greeting Guests
Most of us have dogs who get excited when people come over. By "excited" I mean "Nice-to-meet-you-may-I-kiss-you-on-the-lips?" As someone who is on the receiving end of those types of greetings nearly every day, I can speak for your guests; getting jumped on hurts (and makes your nice clothes dirty!).
If your dog hasn't learned the proper way to greet people at the front door, don't bother trying to teach it in the heat of the moment on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone will end up frustrated. Either let your guests arrive and settle in while your dog is in another room, or put Fido on a leash so you have more control over him during the greeting process.
Children
but if you have unfamiliar children visiting, you must supervise, supervise, supervise. Both the children and the dog need advocates. Your young nephew might be embarrassed to admit that he's a little scared of Fido. Or you might notice that Sarah the toddler is pulling Fido's ears, but he can't find an escape route.
If your dog is truly uncomfortable around kids, or vice versa, don'tjeopardize anyone's safety. Find a safe, quiet spot, give him something to chew on, and let your dog relax by himself for the day.
Chill Time
From a dogs' perspective, Thanksgiving Day can be loud, confusing, stimulating and annoying. Heck, that sounds like my perspective too! (Kidding - I love Thanksgiving) Many dogs – especially senior dogs - appreciate the chance to get away from the hubbub of the day for some alone-time. Dogs don't always know when they need to take a break, and the result is usually punchy, mischievous behavior.
Set up your dog's crate or bed in a quiet room and give him an hour or two to rest. He might protest at first, but a Macho Stick will help to pass the time until the tryptophan kicks in.
Begging
It's cute. It's annoying. It's both. Rather than fight the losing battle of "Fido get down! Uncle Eric - stop giving Fido your sweet potatoes!", it might be best to schedule Fido's chill time during the dinner hour. That way you can focus on family gossip and not have to worry about policing Fido and your relatives.
Household Turmoil
There are coats on the couch! Strange men yelling at the TV set! The garbage can is in the middle of the floor! There's an unattended turkey carcass on the counter! Most dogs prefer a life of predictability, and the turmoil of a house full of guests can be a blessing and a curse for them.
Expect that your normally perfect dog might take advantage of the change of pace. He might decide to sleep on top of the coat pile, or tip the unattended garbage can over. Dogs are opportunists - even the best-trained dogs find it hard to resist a sure thing (my dogs didn't need much coaxing to dive into the garbage can for the above photo!).
Don't forget to give your dog more frequent potty breaks during the day. Excitement and stimulation make urine!
The Day After; Cooked Bones
Cut-to-the-chase advice: no cooked bones!! Cooked bones are dangerous for dogs because they can splinter and cause intestinal perforations. And who wants to spend Black Friday in the emergency clinic?
=============
Zeke and Sumner wish you a trouble-free Thanksgiving Day, and a happy Turkey Nap!
dogsindeed at 8:39:00 PM EST Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
This entry has 2 comments: (Add your own)
-
yes its definitly a tiem of havock for some most love my doggies
11/16/06 5:55 PM
- Victoria