The holidays are supposed to be relaxing.
Apparently, nobody told your calendar…or your dog. Visitors arrive. Doorbells ring. Furniture moves. Meals happen at different times. Walks get delayed. Suitcases appear. Then everyone piles into the car and goes somewhere completely unfamiliar.
For some dogs, that's exciting.
For others, it's a lot.
Dogs Notice Changes in Routine
Dogs often depend on predictable rhythms. They know when breakfast usually arrives. They know when you walk. They know where their bed belongs.
During the holidays, those patterns can change quickly.
Maintaining as much of your dog's normal routine as possible can make unfamiliar days feel a little more familiar.
Give Your Dog a Peaceful Spot to Retreat
Holiday gatherings can involve:
● New people
● Children
● Other pets
● Loud conversations
● Doorbells
● Music
● Food everywhere
● Constant activity
Your dog does not need to participate in every second. Create a quiet place where they can step away and regain a sense of calm, away from stimulation and unfamiliarity. Their 'safe space' might include their:
● Bed
● Crate
● Water
● Familiar blanket
● Appropriate chew
Giving them something familiar to focus on can provide mental engagement while the rest of the house gets busy.
Why Chewing Can Be Useful During Busy Moments
Chewing is a natural behavior.
For dogs who enjoy it, an appropriate chew can give them a focused activity during quieter periods, whether you're cooking Thanksgiving dinner, greeting guests or trying to wrap presents without doggy “assistance”.
BetterBone can become part of that familiar routine.
It isn't an anxiety treatment, and serious anxiety or behavioral concerns should be discussed with your veterinarian or qualified behavior professional.
Think of chewing as one piece of a broader strategy that includes routine, exercise, rest, safe spaces and appropriate supervision.
Don't Forget Exercise
When humans get busy, dog walks are often the first thing shortened or skipped.
Try not to let the entire routine disappear.
A morning walk, sniffing session or playtime before guests arrive can give your dog physical and mental activity before the household gets busy.
Traveling? Pack for the Dog Too
If your dog is joining your holiday trip, create their own packing list.
Consider bringing:
● Food
● Water
● Medication
● Leash and harness
● Waste bags
● Bed or blanket
● Travel bowls
● Crate or appropriate restraint
● Favorite enrichment items
● Familiar chew toys
Familiar objects can help make an unfamiliar destination feel more recognizable.
BetterBone GO: Chewing and Play Wherever the Holiday Takes You
BetterBone GO was designed to expand the traditional chew experience into more ways to interact.
Its versatile design can be incorporated into chewing, tossing, training and interactive play, making it an easy addition to your dog's travel bag.
At home, GO can be part of the normal routine.
At Grandma's house, the hotel or your holiday destination, it gives your dog a familiar BetterBone experience in a new environment.
That makes GO especially useful for families whose holidays involve movement.
At home or on the go.
Keep Travel Safety First
During travel, secure your dog appropriately in the vehicle and never allow a chew toy to become a driving distraction.
Once you reach your destination, inspect the new space before giving your dog freedom to explore.
Look for:
● Dropped medications
● Electrical cords
● Holiday foods
● Trash
● Children's toys
● Decorations
● Small objects left by previous hotel guests
And supervise chew use just as you would at home.
Watch What Your Dog Is Telling You
Holiday traditions are for humans.
Your dog doesn't know they're supposed to enjoy the party.
Watch for behavioral changes and give them breaks when they need them.
Some dogs want to greet every guest.
Others would happily spend an hour in a quiet room with their favorite chew.
Both are okay.
Being dog-first means letting the individual dog tell you what works.
The Best Thing You Can Pack Is a Little Familiarity
You can't make holiday travel, visitors or schedule changes completely predictable.
But you can bring pieces of home with you.
Their regular food.
Their bed.
Their walk.
Their routines.
Their favorite toys.
Their familiar chew.
Sometimes helping your dog navigate a busy holiday season isn't about adding more excitement.
It's about giving them something they already know.
Add BetterBone GO to your dog's holiday packing list for chewing, play and enrichment at home or on the go.
Not sure where to start? Click through the Chews-ing Guide for a personalized recommendation in seconds.
