Safety Tips For Dogs At The Holidays
Safety Tips For Dogs At the Holidays — Keep them safe!
As the holidays approach, excitement builds around gatherings with family and friends, creating the perfect backdrop for cherished memories. However, for those of us with pets, it’s essential to make sure that our holiday celebrations are as safe as they are joyful. Dogs, like all family members, can be impacted by the extra activity, festive foods, and seasonal decorations, which means a bit of extra planning goes a long way in ensuring their well-being.
With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive checklist of holiday safety tips for pet parents to keep in mind. From securing medication and managing the influx of delicious holiday treats to creating a calming space for your dog amid the commotion, these reminders are designed to help you protect your furry friend from common holiday hazards. Because when we prioritize our pets' safety, we’re setting everyone up to fully enjoy the season—knowing our pets are safe, relaxed, and happy.
Holiday Pet Safety Reminders for Gatherings
Medications & Suitcase Items: Remind guests to keep medications, snacks, and other personal items they may have in their suitcase out of reach. Even if your dog is typically well-behaved, the new scents might pique their curiosity.
Xylitol Awareness: Xylitol, commonly found in toothpaste, gum, and children's products, is highly toxic to dogs. Ensure any personal care items are stored safely away, and inform your guests if necessary.
Candy and Baking Goodies: Even if your dog has never shown interest in counter-surfing before, the allure of holiday treats can be tempting. Be extra vigilant about keeping candy, chocolate, and baked goods far out of reach—especially if you're new to hosting pets during the holidays.
Secure the Trash: Holiday meals often produce lots of delicious-smelling trash, but bones, wrappers, and fatty leftovers can be dangerous for dogs. Ensure the trash is secured and out of reach, especially after big family meals.
Safety Barriers: Consider setting up crates, baby gates, or other barriers to keep your dog safe when there’s a lot of foot traffic or excitement with visitors coming and going. This prevents accidental door-dashing or anxiety from too much stimulation.
Decorations & Wires: Holiday decorations like ornaments, lights, and extension cords can be irresistible to curious dogs. Keep cords tucked away, and ensure breakable items are out of paw’s reach to avoid accidents or injuries.
Holiday Plants: Certain holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to dogs if ingested. Make sure these plants are kept well out of reach or consider opting for pet-safe alternatives.
Guests Sharing Food: Not all guests know which foods are dangerous for dogs. Politely remind them not to share any food with your dog, especially rich, fatty dishes or those with onions, garlic, and other harmful ingredients.
Calming Spaces: With all the excitement and noise, some dogs may feel overwhelmed. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your dog can retreat if they need a break from the holiday commotion.
Supervise New Dogs: If this is your dog’s first holiday with your family, be extra mindful of their behavior. New environments or increased stimulation might cause unexpected reactions like anxiety or accidents.
Fireplace Safety: If you have a lit fireplace, make sure there’s a screen in place to protect your dog from burns. Dogs may be drawn to the warmth, but they can easily get too close.
Monitor Stress Levels: Watch for signs of stress in your dog, such as excessive panting, pacing, or hiding. If your dog seems overwhelmed, give them space or remove them from the situation to ensure they feel safe.
Keep Alcohol Out of Reach: Alcoholic beverages can be dangerous for dogs. Make sure drinks are kept on high surfaces and not left unattended where your dog could sneak a sip.
Use safety barriers to restrict your dog’s access to doorways, kitchen/counters, bathrooms, visitor bedrooms, etc.
Always supervise your dog around children!
These reminders help keep your dog safe and comfortable during the festive season, ensuring everyone—two-legged and four-legged—has a great time!