The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with family gatherings, decorations, delicious food, gifts, and celebrations. However, many common holiday traditions can create unexpected risks for dogs.
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From tempting table scraps and Christmas decorations to unfamiliar guests and loud noises, your dog may encounter several hazards during the holidays. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help you enjoy the celebrations while keeping your furry friend safe.
Here are some important dog safety tips for the holidays every pet parent should know.
1. Keep Holiday Foods Away From Your Dog
Holiday meals often contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Fatty foods, rich sauces, chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and foods containing xylitol can be dangerous.
Even foods that are safe for people may cause digestive problems for dogs when eaten in large amounts.
Keep plates, leftovers, and food preparation areas out of your dog’s reach. Ask guests not to feed your dog without your permission.
Foods to keep away from dogs include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Foods containing xylitol
- Very fatty or spicy foods
- Cooked bones
- Raw yeast dough
If you want to give your dog a holiday treat, choose a small portion of a dog-safe snack instead.
2. Be Careful With Christmas Decorations
Holiday decorations can make your home look beautiful, but curious dogs may see them as toys.
Tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, electrical wires, and small decorative objects can become choking or intestinal blockage hazards if swallowed.
Place fragile decorations higher up and keep wires secured and away from areas where your dog can chew them.
If your dog likes to explore everything with their mouth, consider using pet-friendly decorations that are less likely to break or cause injury.
3. Watch Out for Holiday Plants
Some popular holiday plants can be harmful to pets if eaten. Keep decorative plants away from dogs and consider choosing pet-safe alternatives.
Never assume that a plant is safe simply because it is commonly used as a holiday decoration.
If your dog eats part of an unfamiliar plant, contact your veterinarian promptly for advice.
4. Keep Candles and Fireplaces Secure
Candles, fireplaces, and other sources of heat can create burn and fire hazards.
A curious or excited dog can easily knock over a candle with its tail or accidentally get too close to a fire.
Use sturdy candle holders, keep candles out of reach, and never leave your dog unattended around an open flame.
If you use a fireplace, make sure your dog cannot get too close to the fire or hot surfaces.
5. Secure the Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree can be especially interesting to dogs because of its lights, ornaments, and unfamiliar smell.
Make sure the tree is stable and cannot easily be knocked over. Keep electrical cords secured and prevent your dog from drinking water from the tree stand.
If you use artificial snow, preservatives, or other tree treatments, make sure they are kept away from your pet.
6. Protect Your Dog From Holiday Stress
Not every dog enjoys a busy holiday environment.
Large gatherings, unfamiliar people, children, loud conversations, music, and changes to their normal routine can make some dogs anxious.
Create a quiet and comfortable space where your dog can retreat when they need a break. Place their bed, water bowl, and favorite toy in this area.
Never force your dog to interact with guests if they appear uncomfortable.
7. Be Careful When Guests Arrive
A constantly opening front door can create an opportunity for your dog to escape.
Before guests arrive, check that your doors, gates, and fences are secure. If your dog tends to run outside, consider keeping them in a separate room during busy arrival times.
Make sure your dog has proper identification, such as an updated ID tag and microchip information, in case they accidentally get out.
8. Keep Gifts and Wrapping Materials Away
Dogs may be attracted to wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, boxes, and gifts under the Christmas tree.
Ribbons and string can be particularly dangerous if swallowed, while small toys and gift accessories can become choking hazards.
Keep wrapping materials off the floor and clean up immediately after opening gifts.
Also check children’s toys for small parts that your dog could chew or swallow.
9. Don’t Share Alcohol With Your Dog
Alcohol is dangerous for dogs and should never be offered as a treat.
During parties, keep alcoholic drinks away from your pet. Remember that dogs may drink from unattended glasses or consume spilled beverages.
Ask guests to keep their drinks on high tables or in areas your dog cannot access.
10. Be Prepared for Fireworks and Loud Noises
Holiday celebrations can sometimes include fireworks, loud music, or other sudden noises.
If your dog is sensitive to loud sounds, prepare a quiet indoor area before the celebration begins. Close windows and curtains to reduce outside noise and provide familiar toys or bedding.
Keep doors and windows securely closed so your dog cannot escape when frightened.
11. Maintain Your Dog’s Routine
Holiday schedules can become hectic, but maintaining your dog’s normal routine can help reduce stress.
Try to keep regular times for:
- Meals
- Walks
- Bathroom breaks
- Exercise
- Sleep
A little consistency can help your dog feel more comfortable while everything around them is changing.
12. Be Careful With Holiday Travel
If you’re traveling with your dog during the holidays, plan ahead.
Use an appropriate crate, carrier, or dog safety harness depending on your method of transportation. Never allow your dog to ride loose in a vehicle.
Bring familiar items such as food, water, medication if prescribed, bedding, and favorite toys.
Before traveling, make sure your dog’s identification and emergency contact information are up to date.
13. Give Your Dog a Safe Holiday Treat
Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday fun. You can make them part of the celebration with dog-friendly treats and activities.
Consider giving your dog:
- A veterinarian-approved treat
- A new chew toy
- A puzzle toy
- A comfortable new bed
- A dog-friendly homemade snack
Avoid giving large amounts of human food simply because it is a special occasion.
14. Keep Emergency Contact Information Ready
Even with careful planning, accidents can happen.
Before the holidays begin, save your veterinarian’s contact information and know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is located.
It’s also a good idea to keep your dog’s medical information, medication details, and identification information easily accessible.
15. Give Your Dog Plenty of Attention
With all the holiday activity, it’s easy for pets to feel ignored.
Set aside some time each day for your dog. A walk, play session, training activity, or quiet time together can help them stay relaxed and included.
Remember, the best holiday experience for your dog is one where they feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
Holiday Dog Safety Checklist
Before your holiday celebrations begin, check that:
- Your dog cannot access dangerous foods.
- Decorations and electrical cords are secured.
- Candles and fireplaces are safely protected.
- Holiday plants are kept out of reach.
- Your dog has a quiet place to retreat.
- Doors and gates are secure.
- Your dog’s ID tag and microchip information are current.
- Guests know not to feed your dog without permission.
- Gifts, ribbons, and wrapping materials are picked up.
- Your veterinarian’s contact information is available.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be a happy time for the entire family, including your four-legged members. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce common holiday hazards and help your dog enjoy the celebrations safely.
The most important dog safety tips for the holidays are simple: keep harmful foods and decorations out of reach, provide a quiet space, maintain your dog’s routine, supervise interactions with guests, and be prepared for emergencies.
With a little planning, you and your furry friend can enjoy a safe, relaxing, and memorable holiday season together.