Getting ready for the holidays in a pet household

If you’re anything like me, you’re having a hard time believing the holidays are already upon us. I always say that this time of the year, but that’s because every year it seems to sneak up on me! (I remember my parents telling a disbelieving me that the older you get, the faster time flies.)

But ready or not, here come the holidays — so let me offer some tips for ways you and your dog can enjoy the festivities rather than dreading them.

• Think about whether you really want to take your dog to that family gathering.

Some dogs are fine around unfamiliar people and surroundings, and boisterous celebrations where Uncle Bill careens through the house with a lampshade on his head, but some dogs become either terrorized or terrorizer when confronted with that much stimulation. How much fun will it be when your suddenly-demented dog crashes into your elderly grandmother and sends her headlong into the swimming pool, or your brother’s girlfriend shows up with her dog-hating Siamese cat who corners your dog and slashes at his nose like Freddy Krueger? Tip: consider leaving your pup at home with a trusted dog sitter.

• If you’re having visitors your dog doesn’t know, you might want to either put her in a crate or confine her to a separate room until she can acclimate to the newcomers.

De-stressing yourself is one thing, but the chaos of people coming and going can cause anxiety for some dogs. Even if your pup already knows your guests, it’s not a bad idea to find her a “safe haven” like a quiet room away from the commotion, and outfit it with a water dish, a bed to curl up, and her favorite toys. Many dogs, even ones that are otherwise highly sociable, can become very territorial and protective when people (especially strangers) invade their domain. This also holds if you know your dog is fearful of certain types of people: tall men with long beards, for instance, or small children.

• If you’re decorating for the holidays, remember that many of those fancy, glittery trimmings can represent a potential hazard for your dog.

Electrical cords, ornaments, ribbons, wreaths and garlands are objects of intense interest for most dogs, who could decide to chew on or play with them, in the process causing harm not just to your décor but to themselves. (Think: shattered glass ornaments that leave razor-sharp shards all over the floor—or worse, in your dog’s digestive system.)

• If your kitchen and holiday table are overflowing with special delights of the season that include rich, heavy, calorific goodies, remember that these treats can represent serious dangers for your dog.

Canine pancreatitis, a painful and potentially deadly condition, is one of the most common causes of veterinary visits during the holidays.

• Keep to your normal schedule as much as possible, including mealtimes, playtimes, and exercise.

This kind of continuity can help balance whatever turmoil the holidays may bring to your dog’s home and life.

• In the midst of all the holiday bustle, leave space for special “together” time with your dog.

Give him a quiet massage, spend time gently brushing her coat, snuggle with him and watch a favorite movie, or go on a leisurely drive if she loves car rides.

The holidays can be stressful for us all — dogs included — but with a little effort and forethought, you can decrease the pressure and increase the pleasure for everyone.

So gather your gifts, deck the halls, twirl your dreidel, and accept these wishes from Joey, Indy, and me for a warm and joyous holiday season!

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.