The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, but for many dogs, it can bring stress and even illness. From overcrowded homes and loud guests to disrupted routines and tempting holiday treats, our furry friends face challenges that can impact their health and happiness. In this blog post, we explore common holiday stressors for dogs, signs to watch for, and practical tips to keep your pup calm, comfortable, and healthy throughout the festivities.

Anthropomorphism—attributing human emotions and intentions to dogs—can be tempting for dog owners who want to connect deeply with their pets. However, this tendency can be dangerous because it often leads to misunderstandings about a dog’s behavior and needs. Dogs communicate through body language and instinct, not human reasoning, so interpreting growls as "anger" or avoidance as "defiance" may cause owners to overlook true stress signals or trigger negative reactions. And it is destroying many people’s relationship with their dog.