Ah, the holidays. They came, they sparkled, they left behind a mountain of wrapping paper and a fridge full of questionable leftovers. While we humans might be feeling a bit sluggish and ready to embrace the "new year, new me" energy, our four-legged friends might be experiencing their own version of post-holiday blues (or hyperactivity!).
Let's chat about how to help your pup transition smoothly from the chaos of Christmas to the calm of everyday life. Because let's be honest, your dog has just lived through weeks of strange visitors, tempting food smells, and possibly a very suspicious tree taking up prime zoomie space in the lounge room.
The Great Leftover Temptation
We get it. That leftover ham is calling their name, and those puppy dog eyes are working overtime. But before you slip Bella a "little treat" from the holiday feast, let's talk about what's actually safe.
Many traditional holiday foods can spell trouble for our dogs. Rich, fatty foods like gravy-soaked meats can trigger pancreatitis, while onions, garlic, and certain spices are straight-up toxic to dogs. Cooked bones? Absolute no-go – they can splinter and cause serious internal damage.
The best approach? Stick to your pup's regular feeding routine. If you want to celebrate the season together, add unseasoned turkey or chicken to their meal instead.
And please, keep that chocolate and those macadamia nuts well out of reach. We know you know this, but it bears repeating – especially when Uncle Dave doesn't realise that leaving his chocolate-covered cherries on the coffee table is basically creating a doggy emergency waiting to happen.
Operation Decoration Takedown
If your dog spent December convinced that the Christmas tree was either an intruder or the world's most interesting indoor toilet, they might be feeling a bit confused as you start packing everything away. Some dogs get genuinely stressed when their environment changes, even if we're just returning things to normal.
Make the transition gradual if you can. Take down decorations over a few days rather than in one big sweep. This gives your pup time to adjust to their space looking "normal" again.
Keep an eye out for any stray tinsel, ornament hooks, or bits of ribbon as you pack up. These shiny, tempting items are major hazards if swallowed. Give your floors a good vacuum and maybe do a pup-level inspection (yes, get down on all fours and have a look around – we won't judge).
Managing That New Year Energy
January brings a funny sort of energy, doesn't it? Everyone's suddenly running again, meal prepping, and making grand plans. Your dog might be picking up on all this buzzing new-year-new-you vibe, or they might be wondering why the fun and excitement has suddenly stopped.
The key is consistency. Dogs thrive on routine, so try to get back to regular walking times, feeding schedules, and play sessions. If your pup got used to having people around 24/7 during the break, they might experience a bit of separation anxiety when everyone heads back to work or school. Ease back into your normal routine gradually if possible.
This is also a great time to set some goals for your dog's health in the year ahead. Maybe it's finally nailing that "stay" command, or perhaps it's optimizing their nutrition. Speaking of which, if the holidays made you realize your pup's been living on the processed pet food equivalent of fast food, why not make 2026 the year you switch to fresh, natural meals? Your dog's coat, energy levels, and overall wellbeing will show the difference.
A Fresh Start with Doggy Grub
As we wrap up the holiday season and step into a new year, there's no better time to recommit to your dog's health and happiness. At Doggy Grub, we believe that every dog deserves real, wholesome food – not just during special occasions, but every single day.
Here's to a calm, happy, and healthy year ahead for you and your best mate. May your walks be pleasant, your dog's digestion be smooth, and may no one ever leave chocolate within paw's reach again.
Happy New Year from all of us at Doggy Grub! 🐾
