Dog owners across the UK have been issued a one-week warning by experts, who are advising them to act now to protect their pets from potential distress. As Christmas approaches, it’s crucial to bear in mind that while the festive season is a time of joy and celebration for many, certain aspects can adversely impact our four-legged friends.
In partnership with Asda Pet Insurance, dog behaviour specialist Colin Tennant has provided some guidance on how to keep dogs at ease during the Christmas period, which is now just a week away. The goal is to create a tranquil and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
A key piece of advice is to be aware of potent smells. Dogs have approximately sixty times more smell receptors than humans, resulting in an extraordinarily sensitive sense of smell – up to 100,000 times stronger than ours. While we might relish the aromas of spiced Christmas candles, roasting turkey, or fresh Christmas trees, these scents can overwhelm our dogs.
READ MORE: {{title}}
To maintain their tranquillity, consider the fragrances you introduce into your home – if you can smell them, your dog will perceive them even more intensely. To prevent sensory overload, choose unscented candles and try to keep your dog out of the kitchen or dining area if feasible.
Similarly, dogs generally have superior hearing to humans, so sudden changes in volume during lively or animated Christmas films can be startling and stressful for them. If your dog seems anxious or is seeking shelter, the noise could be to blame.
To maintain a calm atmosphere, lower the volume or choose calming background music instead. It’s also vital to keep an eye on the room temperature. While we might find it cosy to turn up the heat and snuggle in, dogs can easily overheat.
Dogs are most comfortable at around 18C, and if your dog starts panting or moves towards cooler areas in the room, such as the floor or near a draught, they’re likely too hot. Adjust the room temperature to a comfortable level, put on a jumper, and monitor your dog’s behaviour to ensure they’re not overheating.
Remember to take into account the breed and age of the dog, as the perfect temperature will differ accordingly. Short-coated breeds usually prefer warmer temperatures around 18C, and older dogs may be most comfortable slightly above 18C.
Dogs are excellent at seeing in low light and detecting movement, much better than humans. Therefore, dimming the lights could be beneficial for your pet.
This is because they have a higher density of rod cells compared to us, which means our night vision and ability to detect motion in low light are significantly less acute. Essentially, even when we dim the lights, it can still be quite bright for a dog and potentially overstimulate them.
Even the twinkling of Christmas tree lights can stir their excitement. So remember, the more muted the ambient lighting, the more soothing it is for our four-legged friends.
