The holidays are finally here. The music is on, the lights are up, family comes and goes, and somehow the house smells like cinnamon, turkey, and excitement. It’s a magical time for us, but for our dogs, it can feel like their entire world has been flipped upside down. New sounds, new smells, new food everywhere, unpredictable routines, all of these can challenge their gut, their nerves, and their sense of stability.
Every December, I see the same pattern in clinics and consultations: tummy upsets, anxiety flare-ups, food indiscretions, injuries from decorations, and dogs who suddenly stop eating or sleeping well.
So here are the things I want every dog parent to keep in mind as we head into this beautiful, chaotic season.