(A casual, actually-helpful guide for surviving the season with dogs.)
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I’m sure you’re always thinking of dog safety when it comes to your pets, but sometimes it’s hard to remember all of the things that could become a safety issue for you dog, especially when you’re caught up in the holiday “to-do’s”.
The end-of-the-year holidays can feel a little overwhelming for many people, so we’ve put together a comprehensive dog safety guide to help you identify any potentially dangerous situations, foods, or other possible things that might be dangerous for your pet over the holidays.
And, remember, if your pet has a problem, so do you. Not only could you be devastated by something happening to your dog, but you will be the one left to resolve your dog’s sickness or injury in the middle of a holiday celebration. Nobody wants that.
Gift Wrap Dog Safety
- Keep ribbons, bows, string, & tape out of reach.
- Skip the shiny tinsel (it’s basically dog spaghetti… but dangerous)
- Watch for sneaky unwrappers…we don’t want foil or ribbons in their intestines.
Holiday Food Hazards
- The NO-NO List: chocolate, Alliums (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives, spring onions-aka scallions, garlic scapes – even in powder form), bones, eggnog, raisins/grapes, xylitol, alcohol, nuts & seeds, and nutmeg.
- Keep charcuterie boards out of reach. Cured meats are loaded with seasonings that are dangerous for dogs.
- Always put leftovers away immediately (trust me, your dog is always plotting).
Christmas Tree Concerns
- Secure your tree—zoomies happen (my cat took out our whole tree one year!)
- Keep ornaments higher if you’ve got a curious snacker or destroyer.
- Avoid glass ornaments near the bottom of the Christmas tree.
- Block off the tree water (it can get icky and become unsafe for dogs).
New Toys & Treats
- Choose size and play-appropriate toys (no tiny pieces or toxic materials))
- Introduce new treats slowly—holiday tummy issues are no fun. ✨
- Supervise any dog chews, bone, puzzle, or toy. They all can be dangerous.
Dog Dangers & Decor
- Keep holiday plants out of reach, as many are poisonous to pets, like holly, mistletoe & poinsettias.
- Tape down electrical cords or use cord protectors, so your chew on them and get hurt.
- Keep candles away from pets, and skip edible-smelling ones if your dog is a big sniffer.
- Be very careful with any snow globes, as some may contain toxic liquid!
Guest Protocol to Keep Dogs Safe
- Remind visitors to NOT feed the dogs any food scraps from the table.
- Give your dog their own “holiday snack plate” so they feel included.
- Keep collars on (with updated tags) and doors & gates closed if you have an escape artist. Zoomies can happen fast! (this happened to us – a guest didn’t secure the screen door and both dogs ran out the door!).
Outdoor Winter Dog Safety
- Wipe paws after walks (salt & de-icer can be irritating to dogs’ paws)
- Watch for icy patches outdoors. Slipping can happen to dogs too!
- Keep outside time short for cold-sensitive pups & paws.
Protect Dogs from the Holiday Chaos
- Create a quiet room/den/crate for your dog when guests arrive. The holidays are a lot for them too.
- Calming music, your pup’s favorite toy, or a lick mat or puzzle = holiday magic for your pet.
- Don’t forget to let your dog out in yard to run off energy. This will help them behave better indoors.
Keep Your Dog Happy & Calm
- Keep your dog’s home routines as normal as possible.
- Give pets consistent praise, breaks, and ample space.
- Remember…a calm and happy dog equals a calm holiday.
Pet Safety is Worth the Time and Energy
Taking the time to make your home as safe as possible for your pets is important for their safety and well-being, but it will also help you. How, you ask? Well, the most obvious is that you love your dogs, and don’t want them getting hurt, but there’s more to it.
You won’t constantly be managing your pets while trying to entertain guests, prepare food, and carry on conversations. Most importantly, though, you’ll enjoy the celebration all the more. And, so will your dogs and other pets.
Happy Holidays to you and your pets! I hope every moment is filled with love, warmth, and happy hearts. ♥️
