The holidays are full of joy, music, guests, treats, and twinkling lights.
But for our dogs, all that excitement can sometimes feel… a little overwhelming. 🐾
Loud noises, changing routines, unfamiliar visitors, it’s a lot to process for even the most easygoing pup.
That’s why this season, we’re turning to Hazel & Rose’s favorite holiday ritual: intentional calm.
Here are simple, soothing ways to help your dog de-stress and find peace amid the festivities.
1. Create a Calm Zone
Before the hustle begins, prepare a quiet retreat just for your pup.
Pick a room or corner away from the main holiday activities, somewhere familiar, with soft lighting and comforting scents.
Include:
🛏️ A favorite blanket or bed
🧸 A toy that smells like home
🌿 A spritz of Lavender Chamomile Calming Mist on the bedding
💬 Rose says: “I call this my ‘holiday bubble.’ It smells like lavender, chamomile and peace.”
A calm space gives your dog a safe escape when the jingling bells (and doorbells) get too noisy.
2. Keep Routines Consistent
Dogs thrive on predictability and routine, during the holidays, that can easily disappear.
Try to maintain your pup’s usual meal times, walks, and bedtime rituals, even when life gets hectic.
These familiar rhythms help ground them and prevent stress-related behaviors like pacing or hiding.
💜 Tip: A nightly paw massage with Lavender Paw Balm can become their “holiday bedtime cue”
💬 Hazel adds: “Consistency keeps tails wagging.”
3. Mind the Guests (and the Treats)
Extra visitors mean extra smells, sounds, and sometimes, hands reaching for pets.
If your dog loves people, wonderful, but if they’re shy, give them the choice to approach on their terms.
And while we humans might snack all day, remember that rich holiday foods can upset sensitive stomachs.
Keep a jar of dog-friendly holiday treats nearby (bonus points if they’re Doggy Dessert Chef originals 😉).
Let your dog join in safely, it’s their celebration too!
4. Bring the Spa to Them
When things get loud, a spa ritual can work wonders for calming energy, for both of you.
A paw soak or a gentle misting creates a sensory reset that helps dogs decompress naturally.
Try this quick holiday calm routine:
1️⃣ Fill a small basin with warm water and add a scoop of Lavender Paw Soak.
2️⃣ Gently place your dog’s paws in and let them soak for a few minutes.
3️⃣ Towel dry and finish with Lavender Balm.
4️⃣ Cuddle until tails slow down and sighs get soft. 💕
5. Protect Their Quiet Moments
Between wrapping paper rustles and doorbells, it’s easy to forget that dogs need breaks, too.
Encourage rest throughout the day, after walks, after visitors, after excitement.
You’ll know your dog is ready to relax when they start yawning, stretching, or retreating to their bed.
💬 Hazel tip: “I nap hard. It’s part of my wellness routine.”
🐶 Hazel & Rose’s Holiday Wisdom
💬 Hazel: “Take breaks between belly rubs.”
💬 Rose: “Calm is the best gift under any tree.”
💕 Together: “Peace on Earth, treats for all.”
🌸 The Takeaway
The holidays should be magical, not manic.
By building in small, mindful moments of calm for your pup, you create a season filled with comfort, connection, and contentment.
So light the candles, cue the soft music, and let the joy unfold .. one peaceful paw at a time.
Because at Paws and Indulge, we believe that calm dogs make the happiest holidays. 💜