The holidays and the end of the year can be a whirlwind—full of joy, celebration, and let’s be honest… stress. Between family gatherings, hosting events, and wrapping up the year, our energy shifts, and guess who notices? Your dog.

Yep, your four-legged family member is probably picking up on all the excitement, the noise, and the hustle of holiday prep. Plus, if you’re hosting, the extra people, new smells, and festive chaos can feel like sensory overload to your pup.

But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with my top tips for surviving the holidays with your doggo—so you can both enjoy the season stress-free.

1. Tire Your Dog Out Before the Festivities Begin

A tired dog is a happy dog (and a peaceful one, too). If you know you’re about to have a full house or a festive day, plan ahead to make sure your pup is good and tired beforehand.

• Take a Hike: Get outside! A long walk or a hike the day before can burn off your dog’s extra energy while giving you both some pre-holiday fresh air.
• Daycare or Walks: Schedule a playday or a long walk with Bed and BARKfest—we’d love to help! A day of play or a long stroll with one of our trusted team members will leave your pup ready to snooze while you entertain.
• Mental Workouts: Physical exercise is great, but don’t forget about mental stimulation. Find a new trick tutorial on YouTube and train your dog for 10-15 minutes. Teaching something new (like “spin” or “tidy up your toys”) is a fun way to tire them out and bond before the chaos starts.

2. Calm with CBD Oil

When your dog gets anxious or overwhelmed, CBD oil can work wonders. This safe, natural supplement has so many benefits for dogs—from reducing anxiety to promoting relaxation. If you’re curious, reach out to your vet to make sure it’s the right choice for your pup.

Pro Tip: We carry our favorite CBD oil at all Bed and BARKfest locations—and we’re happy to ship, too! Just give us a call.

3. Stock Up on Holiday Essentials at Premier Pet

Our partnership with Premier Pet is all about making life easier for pet parents. Premier Pet is a locally owned pet store with 13 locations, offering a wide selection of high-quality products to keep your dog happy and healthy this holiday season. Here’s what we recommend keeping on hand:

• Pumpkin or Stomach Aids: Perfect for soothing upset tummies, especially if your dog gets into something they shouldn’t.
• Puzzle Toys: Keep your dog mentally engaged and entertained during busy times.
• The Pupcicle by Woof: Our favorite toy this season! It’s ideal for downtime and helps your pup stay calm during holiday chaos.

Pro Tip: Premier Pet offers delivery right to your door—so you can stock up without even leaving the house.

4. Make the Crate Your Best Friend

If your dog is crate-trained, the crate can be their ultimate holiday hideaway. It’s all about making it a positive, peaceful space before you need it.

• Build Positive Associations: Start by making the crate feel like a cozy retreat. Use special treats, chews, or even meal times inside the crate so your pup views it as a place they want to go.
• Time to Relax: During busy times (like dinner parties or gift exchanges), put your dog in their crate with a long-lasting chew or a lick mat. It’s a great way to keep them safe, calm, and away from the action if it gets overwhelming.
• Rest is Key: Dogs need 16-18 hours of sleep a day! Long holiday festivities are just plain too much for them. Just like a toddler struggles without nap time, don’t ask your dog for too much—make sure they get ample rest.

Remember: A crate should never feel like punishment. It’s their own private space to decompress.

5. Set the Mood with Calming Music

Music isn’t just good for humans—it works wonders for dogs, too. Studies have shown that certain music can help calm anxious pets, and with so many free resources out there, it’s an easy way to create a peaceful atmosphere for your pup.

• Dog-Calming Playlists: YouTube has entire stations dedicated to calming music for pets, playing for hours at a time. Pop one on before guests arrive to help drown out new sounds and keep your dog feeling zen.
• White Noise Machines: If music isn’t your thing, white noise machines or apps can also help mask the chaos of holiday noise, giving your dog a quiet sanctuary to relax.

6. Keep an Eye on Food (and Guests!)

The holidays mean lots of food, but not all of it is safe for dogs. Be mindful of where you’re placing food, and ask your guests to do the same.

• Be Proactive: Put your dog away or in their crate if you’re serving food that could tempt them. It’s better to be safe than risk an emergency vet visit.
• Have Stomach Aids Ready: Even dog-safe foods can cause upset tummies if they’re not used to them. Keep pumpkin puree or stomach aids on hand just in case.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Holidays Happy for Everyone

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy—not stress. By planning ahead and tuning into your dog’s needs, you can ensure your fur baby feels calm, happy, and safe while you celebrate.

Whether it’s a long hike, soothing music, or a cozy crate retreat, these simple tips can make all the difference. And if you need a little extra help this season, you know where to find us! Bed and BARKfest is always here to keep your pup happy, whether through walks, daycare, or recommendations on dog must-haves.

Need to stock up on CBD oil? Reach out to your nearest Bed and BARKfest location—or give us a call. Looking for holiday essentials like pumpkin, puzzle toys, or the Pupcicle by Woof? Head to Premier Pet, and don’t forget—they deliver right to your door!

Here’s to a stress-free holiday season for you and your pup!