First of all a big thank you to all our lovely customers and their furry friends that have visited Beauty Petz throughout 2021. This has been a great year for us and we look forward to 2022 with a glad heart and a happy smile at this magical time of the year.
We hope you and your loved ones have a great time this Christmas and we thought we could suggest a few ways in which you can involve your dog in all the fun and festivities whilst keeping them happy and safe; so here goes…
Keep up the exercise…
It’s always a good idea to give your dog regular exercise, but this can be especially beneficial at Christmas when both you and your dog can take the opportunity to dust away the cobwebs and burn a few of those unwanted calories. If you're busy preparing food, why not ask a friend or family member to take your dog for a brisk walk on the morning of the big day itself before any visitors arrive. This will help your dog feel content and relaxed after using some of that limitless energy that many dogs seem to have. If it’s especially cold, read Tips for Safe and Happy Winter Dog Walking.
Give your dog plenty of attention
This may seem a strange thing to say because including your dog as part of the family seems a natural thing to do. However, when guests arrive with young children, the hustle and bustle may leave your dog feeling a little side-lined and confused. Try and involve them throughout the day, and if they begin to appear stressed or overwhelmed, surprise them with that special gift you got just for them, or maybe treat them to a gentle ten minutes brushing or combing session which many dogs find a quite soothing and relaxing experience.
A great time for family photos
Many of us only get to see certain relatives at this time of year and, while this may a blessing for some, it gives us a good chance to take some nice family photos to mark the occasion. Including your pets in a group photo means in future years you can evoke fond memories of a previous Christmas where pets that once were part of the family are no longer around.
Don’t over indulge your dog with food
This is often a time when we throw caution to the wind when it comes to food, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself; it’s Christmas after all. However, your dog’s diet is usually one of routine where a sudden belly full of turkey may leave them feeling off colour. A small portion of white meat mixed with their usual food is a better idea but make sure it is plain with no herbs, spices or added salt.
There are some really good recipes for dogs online or in specialised cookbooks. Why not try out some of these in the run up to Christmas; you could even make a doggy treat Advent Calendar...
Take care and have a fantastic Christmas everyone!