With the knowledge that our dogs are full blown empaths with the capacity to absorb all our emotions - both happy and sad, it is even more important to treat them with the utmost respect and with as much kindness as we can at this very busy time of the year.
They never expect anything of us, but they have acutely sensitive emotions that we need to be aware of. Here are some pointers to show kindness and sensitivity towards our dogs at this time and everyday -
We know that being kind to your dog goes without saying, but we wanted to offer some extra advice as the festive season is upon us.
The holiday season of festivities and food and visitors can cause some concerns for our plant-based dogs.
Always remember that the kindest thing you can do for your dog is remember their sensitivities and be aware of their needs.
They love their routine. It provides them (and us) with security and comfort. Always make sure to keep to your dog’s walking/eating routine as far as is possible as the festive season becomes busier.
Routines offer stability and reassurance to not only your dog but to us too that the same thing will happen at the same time each day and with this comes comfort and a reduction in any stress. The best form of relaxation and mindfulness for both us and our dogs is exercise in the outdoors and this is the best way to show kindness to your pet (and yourself).
They receive as much of an endorphin release and an immunity-boost by going for long healthy walks as we do, so maybe leave your phone or any mobile device at home and make your time with your dogs amongst the chaos of the season to just savour the moment and enjoy that time with them. Try to see the world as they do just for that time – live for the moment and ground yourself by using all your senses to see, feel, hear and smell everything around you.
Never rush your dog on a walk. Allow them time to sniff and take in all the hidden messages that they 'read' with their noses. Their sense of smell is acute and provides them with all the endorphin release they need when taken out. This is even more important in our elderly dogs who may have hearing or sight loss or who suffer with painful arthritis that prevents them from walking too far.
Frozen smells are packaged and even more inviting to your dogs so allow them time to enjoy their winter walks – what they will most enjoy this festive season!
Give your elderly dogs in particular (like our 12 year old Ruff), even more time to sniff and enjoy their walks - it is probably what they dream about in their baskets! We highly recommend giving them a daily dose of Omega 3 oil for their joints and overall health, and they will LOVE its pure rich flavour!
Love them silly in a way your dog will fully appreciate. Treat them to playtimes with their favourite toys and just enjoy your time with your dog - mindful happy moments that we must treasure as they make us forget all our stress at this time.
A published study was shown that dogs can detect when humans are experiencing stress!
The published study concludes that “Dogs can detect an odour in humans associated with stress and this sheds light on the human-dog relationship and adds to our understanding of how dogs may interpret, and interact with, human psychological states.” No wonder we love our dogs so much – they are our natural empaths!
It makes us realise how important it is to bear in mind that our dogs are highly sensitive souls who will sponge all our emotions – good and bad and they deserve all the respect and love that we bestow upon them!
An increase in visitors in their homes can stress some of our pets, especially as more people result in an increase in noise and sadly in tensions as distant family members gather together. Our dogs will absorb any tensions that we may be feeling at this time, so always ensure that as the noise level or stress levels increase in a busy household, that they always have access to a safe ‘bolthole’ where they can escape any loud noises or tensions and they feel secure.
Remember that our dog’s sense of smell is far superior to ours and any gifts left carefully wrapped under the tree that contain food either for them or for family members, are a huge temptation to our greedier pets out there.
They cannot be told off for tearing off the wrappings and indulging in the full contents (even if it was meant for them), so just keep these edible gifts out of reach. Remember that chocolate (especially the dark vegan chocolate) should not be fed to dogs.
The same goes for any foods that are poisonous to our dogs. If you are preparing a fruitcake full of raisins, ensure that your dog has no access to the kitchen cupboard or surfaces where they may ingest foods that contain raisins or grapes. Remember too that the only nuts that dogs cannot eat, are macadamia nuts so keep those away from your dog.
Raw potato and potato skins contain Solanine that is poisonous to dogs so be mindful of this and keep any bins with potato skins away from your dog while peeling those potatoes!
Keep rubbish bins tied up to prevent any scavenging of your pets while you are busy entertaining. Any mouldy food can be dangerous if eaten by your dog while you are distracted by visitors.
Share in the festive foods with your dog (as they are part of the family) but avoid any stuffing or foods that contain onions or leeks.
Do not overindulge your dog on food (as we do ourselves) as it will only lead to stomach issues and discomfort for them. They can share in the christmas feast, but in moderation - Ruff will be sharing in all of our roast vegetables this year as we very fortunate to be having a fully vegan Christmas!
Remind all guests to your home that your dog has to be on a fully plant-based diet for their health, and not to give any foods that may contain dairy or animal products. Keep some delicious treats (or your dog's favourite dry food) out on the kitchen surfaces for visitors to be able to still treat your dog, but with foods they are allowed.
For all of you wonderful people who home cook for your dog, have a break for a week and order in some of our wholefood delicious wet foods in our Mix n Match Special with our best seller Give A Dog A Bean and Jumping Jack - both of these wholefood trays contain added Trytophan (the precursor to serotonin to naturally boost the calming, happy hormone of your dog - exactly what you want them to have at this time and all year long!)
When we have the start of fireworks over new year, yet again be mindful to allow your sensitive dog some space and a 'bolthole' where they feel safe. Keep with their routine as far as possible and make them a den where they feel secure and can hide.It comes with a glass dropper so I used an oral syringe (in case they bit on the glass) and measured 4 ml for them then squirted it into their mouths.
Thought this might be of interest and help other dogs" - Cathy
