Tips for a Stress-Free
Season With Your Pup
Submitted by Nillas Tub DIY Dog Wash & Health Food Store
If you’ve ever juggled tangled lights, late packages, and a dog barking at the delivery guy for the hundredth time, you know what holiday stress feels like. And your dog feels it too! While they might not be worried about shopping lists or flight delays, all the extra noise, visitors, and schedule changes can make the season a bit overwhelming for them as well. But with some planning and a few simple strategies, you can help your dog stay relaxed and happy all season long.
- Keep their routine as normal as possible. Dogs are creatures of habit. They don’t care if it’s Christmas Eve or a random Tuesday—they still expect dinner at 6 p.m. and their evening walk right after. When their routine gets thrown off, stress levels can spike.
- Create a calm retreat. Holiday gatherings can be loud and chaotic, leading to sensory overload for dogs. Give your pup a designated chill zone, somewhere quiet where they can go when they need a break. Humans need one of these too – preferably with wine and snacks.
- CBD oil is a safe, effective option for helping reduce anxiety and alleviate stress. Many pet parents find that starting CBD a few days before a big event—like a holiday party or long car ride—helps their dogs stay balanced and relaxed. CBD is not very well-regulated, so it’s crucial to choose a high-quality brand from a company you can trust. A low-quality CBD product may contain too much THC; may contain less CBD than what’s listed on the label; or may use a chemical extraction method that leaves toxic traces in the final product. There are other supplements with ingredients like L-theanine, melatonin, chamomile, valerian root, and L-tryptophan that can be helpful.
- Lick mats are a terrific stress-buster. You can spread a variety of dog-safe foods on a lick mat—from peanut butter, yogurt, and mashed fruits to cheese, bone broth, or canned food—with endless combinations to keep your dog licking away for 20-30 minutes of blissful focus. The act of licking releases endorphins in your dog’s brain—the same feel-good chemicals that help them self-soothe. The Pupsicle is another enrichment treat/toy that is designed to promote licking.
- Support stress resilience through nutrition. Many people don’t realize that what you feed your dog affects how they feel both mentally and physically. A high-quality, minimally processed diet, with plenty of meat protein, healthy fats, and natural bio-available vitamins and minerals (not synthetic) supports a strong immune system—something that can take a hit when stress levels rise.
- Probiotics are important to support gut health and help alleviate stress, since a healthy gut can influence mood and behavior through the gut-brain axis There are many different ways to add probiotics including yogurt, raw goat’s milk, powders, and chews.
- Exercise is one of the best ways to melt away tension—for both humans and dogs. Regular walks, sniffing adventures, or backyard playtime help your pup release built-up energy and relax afterward.
The holidays don’t have to be stressful—for you or your dog. By keeping routines steady, using natural calming aids, feeding high-quality foods and treats, and offering plenty of love and reassurance, you’re giving your furry friend the best gift of all: a stress-free, healthy, and happy holiday season. And don’t underestimate the power of your attention. Dogs pick up on our emotions, so if you stay calm and patient, they’ll feel more secure, too.
If you need help choosing the right food or supplement, swing by Nilla’s Tub, located at 211 Landmark Dr., Ste B-1 in Normal. They have a large selection of only the best dog and cat food, including frozen and freeze-dried raw. They’ve done the research and everything they carry—food, treats, CBD Oil, and supplements—meets their own high standards. They also have everything you need to bathe and groom your furry friend in a fun, relaxing environment. No appointment necessary. Call or text 309-451-9274 or visit them online at www.NillasTub.com.