Easy holiday safety tips for your dog

Many people look forward to the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to catch up with loved ones, eat delicious food and spread festive cheer. However, amid all the fun and celebration, you must take extra precautions for your pet’s safety. Discover holiday safety tips for dogs to ensure their health and happiness during this busy time of year.

The Importance of Pet Safety This Holiday Season

The holidays may be fun for you, but it can be overwhelming for your pet. Between the loud noises, unfamiliar faces and potential hazards, you’ll have to take extra precautions to keep your dog comfortable and out of harm’s way.

7 Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs

Here’s how to keep your dog’s tail wagging merrily throughout the Christmas chaos.

1. Refresh on Obedience Training

Review your pup's obedience training if you’re expecting new guests this holiday season. Practice sitting still, greeting people politely, going to a mat and coming when called. Obedience training is particularly ideal if your dog behaves differently around strangers.

For instance, a canine that likes to jump up to greet humans can be dangerous for a kid or an older adult. You can support positive behavior by not dishing out treats or attention when they jump. The Animal Humane Society offers five levels of obedience courses, from foundational to expert, to help set your pup up for success.

2. Be Mindful of Hazards

Holidays are a time for feasting. As a responsible pet owner, you must be alert when prepping holiday meals, laying food on the table and informing your guests to ensure your furry friend doesn’t get into an accident. Keep these possible hazards in mind:

• Table food: Foods like chocolate, coffee, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, apple seeds, onions and rhubarb leaves can be highly dangerous for your pet.
• Candles: Use flameless LED candles to prevent fire-related accidents. A wagging tail can unconsciously knock over hot wax, so it’s better to be careful.
• Medicines: Pill bottles and other small items your guests might leave on a nightstand or coffee table can be hazardous to your pets. Remind any visitors to secure their valuables.
• Alcohol bottles: Alcoholic beverages and their containers can harm your pup. Keep them out of reach to avoid accidents.
• Trash bags: Food scraps in trash bags can entice your dog to eat them. Dispose of the trash outdoors immediately to maintain a tidy living space.

3. Use Pet-Friendly Decorations

Transform your house into a dog-friendly, festive space. Consider safety when it comes to the following decor items in particular:

• Christmas tree: Make sure to secure your tree tightly. If you’re using a real tree, ensure the water is inaccessible to your pup to avoid messes.
• Dangling decorations: Place long decorative items, like lights, garlands and tinsel, out of reach to avoid accidents. 
• Plants: Certain plants — like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly — can cause mouth and stomach irritation when ingested. Keep these far away from even the most determined pup.
• Snow globes: Some products have ethylene glycol, which can be fatal to pets and humans if the item breaks and the liquid is ingested.

4. Supervise Interactions With Guests

Avoid leaving your pet alone, even if they are generally friendly to other people. Some people may get overexcited and do things that can annoy your pet and lead to a bite. If you can’t monitor every interaction, ask a trusted individual to watch your pet while you’re doing something else. Otherwise, confine them in a quiet room.

5. Provide a Cozy Place

Christmas crackers, fireworks, Champagne bottles popping, loud music and laughter can overwhelm your furry companion. Ensure your dog remains comforted when it feels nervous. Take them to a quiet, cozy place before you start the festivities with your loved ones and check in regularly to ensure they’re relaxed.

6. Organize Pet-Friendly Activities

Exercise helps keep your pup happy and healthy. Morning walks and a fun game of fetch can help your dog relax once your guests arrive, making them less likely to become overexcited or anxious. When walking your dog outside, consider adding a dog sweater or coat and booties to keep them dry and warm. Offer interactive toys like chew toys and puzzle feeders to provide mental stimulation when your home gets busy.

7. Have Calming Solutions Ready

Anxiety wraps apply pressure over your dog’s chest, mimicking a calming hug. This gentle sensation can help calm your dog during stressful situations. Acclimate your pup to a wrap by putting it on occasionally during happy times. That way, your dog won’t associate it with unpleasant moments.

Is It OK to Leave Your Dog to Go On Holiday?

Planning a vacation is especially challenging for pet owners. Amidst the fireworks, cold weather and neighbor noises, leaving your dog alone may not be the wisest choice. If your pet needs to be left alone, ask a responsible individual to pet sit, or leave your furry friend at a trusted, reputable kennel. Ensure you give clear care instructions and provide your pet’s vaccination and treatment information.

Happy Paw-lidays!

Your dog deserves to have fun this festive season. Follow these holiday safety tips for dogs to ensure a happy and unforgettable holiday season with your furry companion. If your pet has extreme anxiety over noises or strangers, consider boarding them over the holiday or asking your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.