Holidays
This Is How Your Australian Labradoodle Can Enjoy Happy and Safe Holidays
The holidays are just around the corner! It’s the time of twinkling lights, cozy moments, and delicious food. But for your Australian Labradoodle, all those impressions can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to help your loyal friend relax so you can both enjoy the festive season.
Peace Around Fireworks
Many dogs find fireworks stressful. A Labradoodle senses your emotions flawlessly, so the calmer you stay, the better they’ll feel. Start practicing well in advance: play soft firework sounds occasionally, reward calm behavior, and increase the volume slowly. This teaches your dog that loud bangs are no reason to panic.
On New Year’s Eve, it’s smart to go for the long walk early in the day. You can, for example, drive somewhere quieter. Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Close the curtains at home, turn on some music or the TV, and create a cozy spot with their bed or crate. Double-check that their microchip details are still correct. And if they do need to go outside, use a harness and, for safety, two leashes (see also: How to Choose the Right Harness for Your Labradoodle).
Festive Food
During the holidays, your home smells amazing—and your Labradoodle surely agrees! But what’s a treat for us can be dangerous for them. Pay extra attention to:
- Chocolate – toxic, even in small amounts
- Raisins and grapes – can cause kidney failure
- Onion and garlic – harmful to the blood
- Xylitol (sweetener in sugar-free products) – can be life-threatening
- Fatty foods or leftovers – can cause stomach and intestinal issues
No matter how tempting that begging face may be, don’t let your Labradoodle snack from the Christmas table. Offer a separate treat instead—like a special dog cookie or a tasty chew. That way they can enjoy the celebration with you, but safely.
Christmas Decorations
A decorated home makes the holidays extra festive, but not everything is dog-proof. Keep a close eye on:
- Glass ornaments and tinsel that can break or be swallowed
- Pine needles that may irritate the stomach
- Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias – all toxic to dogs
- Candles and electrical cords – risky for curious noses
Opt for unbreakable decorations and place candles high up. If the tree is stable and out of your wagging friend’s path, the risk of accidents remains low.
Crowds and Visitors
The holidays often bring more visitors into your home. That’s lovely, of course, but it can be a bit much for your Labradoodle. They are social dogs, but they also need quiet moments to process all the excitement. Make sure your dog always has a place to retreat to—a bed in a quiet room or a crate with a blanket over it works well. You can also agree with guests that they don’t pet the dog constantly, and that the bed is a no-disturb zone.
A long walk before the festivities helps release tension. After that, your Labradoodle will probably relax nearby—half asleep, half enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Traveling or Boarding
Are you going away, or will your Labradoodle be staying with family or at a boarding facility? Bring their own belongings: their bed, blanket, favorite toy, and some of their food. Familiar items make a new place feel safe. When traveling by car, make sure your dog is secured with a seat belt or in a crate. Take regular breaks for water and movement. And let the host or kennel know about your dog’s routines so they need to adjust as little as possible.
If Something Goes Wrong
Did your dog eat something they shouldn’t have, seem sick, or panic? Call your veterinarian right away! Don’t wait for it to pass on its own, especially not with chocolate, raisins, or xylitol.
Fresh Start
After all the holiday bustle, it’s wonderful to unwind again. Take a long walk in nature, check your dog’s paws for firework debris, and start the year with an extra cuddle.
With a little preparation, healthy boundaries, and lots of love, you can make the holidays a time your Australian Labradoodle enjoys just as much as you do.
See also: How Your Labradoodle Can End the Year on a Good Note.
