The holiday season is well underway, and many people are busy preparing for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations. However, one of the things that many pet owners overlook is the impact that this festive season can have on their furry friends.

While taking your dog with you while you shop might seem like a fun and harmless idea, there are several reasons why this might actually be a bad idea.

Why Do People Take Their Dogs Shopping During New Year’s?

Before we dive into the reasons why it’s not a good idea to take your dog with you while you shop during New Year’s, let’s first consider why people choose to do so in the first place. Some of the reasons include:.

They want to spend more time with their pet.
They want to include their dog in holiday festivities.
They want to show off their dog to others.
They are running errands and don’t want to leave their dog at home alone.

The Risks of Taking Your Dog Shopping

While the reasons for taking your dog shopping might seem noble, the risks involved can be significant. Here are some of the main reasons why taking your dog shopping during the New Year’s holiday season is a bad idea:.

1. Overwhelm

The holiday season can be overwhelming for anyone, including dogs. With crowds of people, loud music, and lots of activity, dogs can quickly become stressed and anxious. This can lead to behavioural issues such as barking, growling, and even aggression.

Additionally, if your dog becomes too overwhelmed, they may try to bolt or run away, putting themselves in danger.

2. Dog Theft

Unfortunately, the holiday season is also an easy time for pet thieves. With more people out and about, and often distracted by other things, it’s easier for thieves to snatch a dog and get away unnoticed.

If your dog is with you while you shop, you’re exposing them to this risk.

3. Temperature Control

During the New Year’s holiday season, the weather can be unpredictable. If you take your dog shopping with you, you won’t be able to control the temperature in the stores or malls you’re visiting.

This can be particularly dangerous for small dogs who are more susceptible to cold weather.

4. Traffic

The holiday season is a notoriously busy time, and that includes traffic. If you’re taking your dog shopping with you, you’ll have to navigate the roads and traffic as well.

This can be stressful for both you and your dog and can increase the risk of an accident.

5. Hygiene

Finally, taking your dog shopping during the New Year’s holiday season can also be a hygiene issue.

While you might think that your dog is clean and well-behaved, they can still shed fur, scratch themselves, or even go to the bathroom while you’re in a store. This can be unpleasant for other shoppers and can even lead to health concerns if your dog is carrying any diseases or parasites.

Alternatives to Taking Your Dog Shopping

While taking your dog shopping during the New Year’s holiday season might not be a good idea, that doesn’t mean you have to leave them at home all the time. Here are some alternative ways to include your dog in the holiday festivities:.

Take your dog on a special holiday walk or hike away from crowded areas
Invite family or friends who love dogs over for a holiday get-together
Buy your dog a special holiday treat or toy to enjoy at home
Hire a professional pet sitter to take care of your dog while you’re out

Conclusion

Taking your dog shopping during the New Year’s holiday season might seem like a good idea at first, but the risks involved can be significant.

From dog theft to hygiene issues, it’s much safer and more comfortable for your dog to stay at home or participate in alternative holiday activities. So, before you head out to shop for the holidays, make sure your furry friend is safe, secure, and happy at home.