Wedding Day Dogs – How To Include Your Dog Safely
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There is no doubt that dogs are so much more than pets to their owners, with a staggering 99% of UK pet owners seeing their furry companion as part of the family, and a further 89% saying their dog provides them with emotional support.
Image Photo by Maria Budanova (Pristavskaya) on Unsplash
With weddings being the ultimate celebration among family and friends and one of the biggest days of a human’s life, it’s no surprise that couples are keener than ever to have their dogs involved in their big day, with Google searches for ‘pet friendly weddings’ having quadrupled in the last month.
While it’s wholesome and heartwarming to have dogs playing a role in your wedding, it’s important for pet owners to suitably prepare their pooches for the festivities, to avoid unnecessary stress for the animal and ensure things go as smoothly as possible.
To help owners keep their dogs safe and calm during the excitement of a wedding day, Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet, one of the country’s leading veterinary groups, has shared the following advice.
Prepare your dog in advance
“Training your dog to be comfortable around strangers and big crowds prior to the big day is important to keep them calm on the day itself and to avoid them feeling overwhelmed. Training them not to jump up at people is crucial to avoid any mishaps for both your guests and your dog such as broken glasses or the ingestion of food or drink that could harm your dog. This also helps to avoid any muddy paw prints on wedding outfits on the big day!”
Factor in a safe space at your venue
“Your wedding venue is the hub for your big day, but it won’t necessarily be designed specifically to cater for dogs. Providing a quiet, comfy space for your dog to escape the excitement and noise will keep your pooch well-rested and reduce feelings of anxiety.
“Depending on your venue, consider bringing their bed and placing it in a quiet room with a few toys away from your guests. The key is to have access to a space that feels familiar to your dog, with similar surroundings and smells from home to help them feel comfortable.”
Provide access to fresh drinking water and food
“Weddings are busy occasions, and so your dog may get tired out and overwhelmed quickly. Ensuring your dog has easy access to water and food will keep their energy up and prevent them from feeling exhausted, so they can enjoy the festivities with you.
“If your dog is well fed, they are less likely to bother guests when it comes to the wedding breakfast. As some dogs may still try their luck, it’s important to remind guests not to feed your dog any human food from the table and be wary not to leave leftover food in reaching distance.”
Bring a dog sitter
“Bringing a dog sitter to watch your pet during the big day is an excellent way to ensure that you and your guests can enjoy the wedding without worrying about your dog’s needs.
“Choosing a family member, or friend who you and your dog trust means your pooch has a familiar face they can run to when you may be unavailable during your wedding. To avoid mixed messages and confusing your dog, make sure the designated dog sitter is kept to one person, so everyone is clear on the day. If hiring a dog sitter, ensure they are introduced to your dog ahead of the wedding, so they can get to know each other.”
Choose a suitable role
“Dogs can play a variety of fun roles at your wedding, but it’s important to remember that not all roles are suitable. For example, many flowers can be toxic to dogs, so having them as a flower dog should be avoided. Also, keep in mind your dog’s temperament and personality before deciding whether they are suited to a role.
“If your dog is prone to anxiety, it may be a good idea to give them a more relaxed role. Ultimately, to keep your day a success, check in on your dog regularly to ensure they are calm and happy. Weddings are full of joy but hectic events, so assess what your dog can handle and what their limits may be.”
• For more advice and information on Medivet, visit medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice
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