Holiday Survival Guide: How to Support Yourself and Your Dog

Let’s face it: the holidays are beautiful chaos. We’re running around, trying to make everything perfect, but in the middle of all that, we start piling on guilt—guilt about not including our dogs in every moment or not spending enough time with them. But here’s the thing: not all dogs want to be part of the holiday craziness.

This blog is here to remind you (and me) to chill out. Your dog doesn’t need every Instagrammable moment to be happy. What they do need is for you to be mindful of their needs while keeping them fulfilled, even during the holiday madness. Let’s break it down.

Not Every Dog Loves the Holiday Chaos

It’s easy to think your dog should be part of every holiday tradition—photos, gatherings, parties. But honestly, not all dogs love that! Loud noises, weird decorations, and a house full of strangers can throw them completely off their game. Some dogs? They just want to hang out in peace while we do our thing.

Here’s What Works:

• Give them space: Set up a cozy, quiet spot where they can retreat if things get overwhelming. A comfy bed in your room or a corner of the house away from the action is perfect.

• Pay attention: Watch for signs of stress like pacing, yawning, or hiding. If they’re over it, let them be over it. It’s not their job to entertain your guests or pose for the family photo.

• Ditch the Guilt: Oh, the guilt. It creeps in when we skip the doggy stockings, forget to wrap their gift, or don’t include them in every festive moment. But you know what? Dogs don’t care about that stuff. We project our own holiday stress onto them when all they want is to feel safe, loved and maybe sneak a nap in peace.

My Take:

• Simplify the holidays for your dog: They don’t need matching sweaters or a spot at the dinner table. Quality time matters, whether that’s a quiet walk or just chilling on the couch while you binge Hallmark movies.

• Remember this: You’re doing great. Guilt has no place here.

Stick to Their Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and the holidays can totally mess that up. Late nights, skipped walks, and delayed meals can leave your dog feeling confused and cranky. Honestly? It’s the simplest thing to keep consistent, and it makes such a difference.

Here’s How to Keep it Together:

• Set reminders: Put walks and meals on your calendar, just like your holiday events.

• Prioritize exercise: Even if it’s a short walk or a quick game of tug, a little activity goes a long way. A tired dog is a happy dog, and happy dogs make for stress-free holidays.

Mental Enrichment Saves the Day

When you’re stretched thin and busy, mental enrichment can be a lifesaver. A dog with a busy mind is less likely to get into trouble while you’re wrapping gifts or prepping dinner.

DIY Enrichment Ideas:

• Puzzle feeders or DIY box: Got an old cardboard box lying around? Toss in some treats, crumpled paper, and small safe toys, and let your dog dig through it like a treasure chest.

• Sniffing games: Hide treats in different spots around the house or scatter kibble in a towel for a quick sniff-and-search game.

• DIY frozen snacks: Stuff a Kong or a reusable container with layers of plain yogurt, peanut butter (no xylitol!), and kibble, then freeze. It’ll keep them busy and happy for a while.

• Basic training sessions: Work on simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “touch.” It doesn’t take long, but it keeps their mind sharp and gives you both a bonding moment.

Your Stress = Their Stress

Dogs are ridiculously good at picking up on our energy. If you’re running around like a headless chicken, they’re going to feel it. Holidays are already enough for them without adding your stress to the mix.

A Reminder for You

Take a moment to breathe. Seriously. Whether it’s a quick yoga stretch or a deep breath while the cookies bake, your calmness helps your dog feel safe and relaxed.

Do Less, Enjoy More

Here’s your permission to not do it all. Skip the over-the-top extras. Your dog doesn’t care if you nailed the perfect holiday aesthetic. They care that you’re present and paying attention to their needs.

My Favorite Holiday Hack: Focus on what matters most. A good walk, a belly rub, and some quiet time with you are more than enough to make your dog’s holiday special.

Final Thoughts

The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. And that includes your dog. So, let go of the guilt, embrace the chaos, and find small ways to keep you and your dog happy, calm, and fulfilled.

From one dog guardian to another, you’ve got this. Happy Holidays!