Holiday Survival Guide for Dogs: Stress, Snacks & Staying Balanced
The holiday season is a whirlwind of magic for us—but for our dogs? It can feel like a whole new world of sights, sounds, and smells. Family visits, festive meals, and late-night gatherings can all be overwhelming if you’re a pup who thrives on routine.
If you’ve ever noticed your dog acting extra restless or “out of sorts” this time of year, you’re not alone. The good news? A little preparation and a few smart wellness habits can help your dog feel balanced, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the holidays with you!
1. New Faces, New Places
For us, holiday gatherings mean laughter and connection. For dogs? It can feel like a parade of strangers marching through their space. Even the friendliest pup can get a little overwhelmed when the doorbell won’t stop ringing and every room is buzzing.
Simple Ways to Keep Them Grounded:
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Walk It Out: A brisk walk before guests arrive helps burn off energy (and those zoomies), so your pup is more likely to relax instead of pacing.
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Create a Retreat: Set up a quiet corner, crate, or spare room with their bed, favorite toy, and even an old sweatshirt that smells like you. Dogs often feel calmer when they have their own “den.”
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Make Guest Time Special: Offer a high-value chew, frozen Kong, or puzzle toy only when visitors are around—turning guest arrivals into a positive experience.
Extra support: Calming Support soft chews with chamomile, valerian root, and L-theanine are often used by pup parents to help promote relaxation during environmental stressors.*
2. Sneaky Snacks & Stomach Shifts
When the holiday feast hits the table, dogs notice everything. The smells, the dropped crumbs, the well-meaning aunt who insists “just one little bite won’t hurt.” Trouble is, those “just one bites” can quickly add up—and many holiday foods aren’t safe for pups.
Smart Swaps for a Happy Tummy:
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Create a Pup Plate: Set aside safe, dog-friendly options, such as carrots, green beans, or apple slices. This way, family members who must spoil your dog have a safe outlet.
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Guard the Goodies: Keep turkey bones, stuffing, gravy, chocolate, and onions far from reach. (Even trash bins need to be secured—dogs are pro scavengers.)
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Stick to the Familiar: Keep your dog’s main meals consistent and offer festive “extras” in moderation, under supervision.
Extra support: Digestive Support blends pumpkin, prebiotics, and probiotics to help maintain healthy gut balance when routines (and diets) get disrupted.*
3. Routine Gone Rogue
Meals get delayed, walks get skipped, and suddenly your pup is staring at you like, “Hey… did you forget about me?” Dogs thrive on routine, so when it shifts, they can feel it.
How to Stay on Track (Even When Life Isn’t):
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Set Anchors: Tie care to your own habits—feed them when you make coffee, take them out with you during your morning walk or workout, or brush them during your nightly Netflix show.
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Use Reminders: Set a phone alarm for mealtime or a quick potty break before guests arrive.
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Batch the Fun: If you miss a walk, add 5–10 minutes of indoor play (tug, hide-and-seek, or a quick training session).
Extra support: A Daily Multivitamin can help fill wellness gaps when life gets hectic, providing essentials like zinc, cod liver oil, and B vitamins for everyday vitality.*
4. Less Outdoor Time = Less Comfort
Winter weather doesn’t just chill us—it changes our pups’ routines too. Between icy sidewalks, holiday errands, and shorter days, dogs often get fewer bathroom breaks and less exercise. That can lead to pent-up energy and, sometimes, tummy discomfort.
Quick Comfort Fixes:
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Three Small Wins: Swap one long walk for three short potty breaks. It keeps your dog moving while limiting time in the cold.
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Mix Indoor & Outdoor Play: Pair quick sniff walks outside with indoor activities like fetch in the hallway or stair climbs.
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Emergency Plan: Set up a “backup potty spot” (like grass turf or puppy pads) for blizzards and late nights.
Extra support: Fiber and probiotics, like those found in Anal Gland and Digestive Support, can help maintain normal bowel function for healthy comfort and regularity.*
5. Slushy Walks = Messy Paws
Snow, ice, and sidewalk salt don’t just leave puddles by the door—they can irritate sensitive paws and dry out skin. And if your pup loves bounding through snowbanks, you know how fast slush turns into a grooming headache.
Paw-Proofing Tips:
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Set Up a Paw Station: Keep a towel and a spray bottle of lukewarm water by the door to rinse away salt and slush before it irritates skin.
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Trim Pad Fur: Snip excess hair between paw pads to prevent painful ice clumps.
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Protect Before You Go: Apply a paw balm to create a barrier against chemicals and salt.
Extra support: For those inevitable muddy, slushy walk days, a gentle Complete Care Shampoo & Conditioner helps clean, soothe, and deodorize your pup’s coat—keeping them fresh and comfortable between winter baths.*
6. Overstimulated Minds Need Breaks
Between jingling bells, wrapping paper chaos, and the constant buzz of visitors, holidays can be a full-on sensory marathon for dogs. Even if they’re not sprinting laps, their brain is still in overdrive.
Fresh Calming Strategies:
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Scent Soothers: Dogs process the world through smell—so try a dog-safe calming spray or add an old T-shirt of yours to their space for comfort.
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Chew Therapy: Long-lasting chews (bully sticks, dental chews, or yak milk sticks) give pups a natural outlet for nervous energy.
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Training Breaks: Short 5-minute training sessions with simple commands (sit, down, stay) redirect energy and boost confidence.
7. Keep Guests Pup-Savvy
We love our guests, but not everyone knows dog manners. A well-meaning visitor may sneak food under the table, crowd your dog’s space, or get a little too enthusiastic with greetings. Instead of constantly hovering, set your pup (and your guests) up for success.
Guest-Proofing Hacks:
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Greet & Treat: Keep a jar of your dog’s favorite training treats by the door. Ask guests to toss one on the ground when they enter—this shifts your pup’s focus and prevents jumping.
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Divide & Conquer: Use baby gates or playpens to create guest-free zones so your dog has choice, not just confinement.
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Structured Social Time: Instead of letting your pup free-range the whole night, give them short “guest shifts” followed by breaks. Controlled exposure reduces overwhelm and overstimulation.
Building Your Pup’s Holiday Wellness Stack
Think of holiday wellness like a toolkit—each piece plays a role in keeping your pup calm, comfortable, and balanced when routines shift:
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For Calm: Calming Support soft chews with chamomile, valerian root, and L-theanine help promote relaxation during seasonal stressors.***
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For Digestion: Digestive Support with pumpkin, prebiotics, and probiotics helps maintain normal gut balance when diets change.***
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For Daily Balance: A Daily Multivitamin provides essential nutrients like zinc, cod liver oil, and B vitamins to help fill gaps.***
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For Comfort: Skin & Coat or Anal Gland Support delivers omega-rich and fiber-based support to help keep pups looking and feeling their best.***
The holidays are brighter with a happy, healthy pup by your side. A little preparation—and some wellness support—goes a long way in making the season enjoyable for both of you.
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This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
***Every dog is different. Results may vary. Always consult your vet before introducing new supplements—especially if your dog has a medical condition or takes medication.
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