Christmas may be a favorite time of year for many but the season packed with parties, shopping, and holiday guests can also drive stress levels up. Even typically friendly pets can become stressed with boisterous children, the family’s change in routine, and unfamiliar guests in the house. Hospital emergency rooms report a rise in dog bites during the Christmas season.
Understanding dog body language and observing a few precautions can help prevent holiday festivities from being disrupted by the trauma of a dog bite, If guests are bringing their own dog, ask them to also bring along a crate. This will offer a safe haven for their dog from resident pets as well as holiday chaos. If you know that your guests have a fear of dogs, be courteous and keep your dog on leash or in another part of the house. This rule also applies if your dog has a history of aggressiveness.
Reminders for Children
- Do not hug, chase, scream, or stare at the dog.
- Do not stumble over or lean over a dog.
- Do not poke, pinch, push, pull, or pick up the dog.
- Do not tease the dog with remote controlled toys or loud toys.
- Do not poke fingers inside the dog’s crate if he is in it.
- Do not disturb a dog who is resting, eating, caring for puppies, or in possession of a toy, especially a new Christmas toy.
- Do stay calm near the dog.
- Do pet the dog gently on the side of the neck (with permission of the owner).
Reminders for adults
- Do not leave children alone with the dog.
- Pay attention to the dog’s body language.
Tips on Dog Body Language
Paying close attention to a dog’s behavior and facial expressions can help prevent a bite. Most people understand that a bristle, growl, or snarl means the dog is upset and may bite. It is just as important to understand that a dog who gets up and walks away may be feeling stressed and trying to escape. If he turns away or looks away from someone who is talking to him or petting him, he may wish to be left alone. An anxious dog may hold his ears back, tuck his tail, lick his lips, have a worried look on his face, yawn nervously, watch you cautiously from the corner of his eye, or any combination of these. This is his way of communicating that he is uncomfortable and wants to be left alone.
Prevent a bite. Respect the dog’s feelings and allow him his own safe retreat away from holiday chaos. And at the end of a long day, spending a few quiet minutes giving your dog a nice home massage will soothe both you and your best friend.
