The holidays are for spending time and sharing with family and friends. If you have a dog, its included in both categories. This Christmas, use this guide to keep your fur baby and best friend safe and happy.
Safety Proof the Christmas Tree
Christmas trees can pose a few dangers to your dog. For safety and your own sanity, keep your tree tightly secured so your pet doesn’t bump into it while playing and tip it over. Place ornaments with interesting smells and textures high up on the tree. Don’t put wrapped food gifts underneath the tree.
Keep the tree water covered so your pet won’t mistake it for a drinking bowl. Bacteria can grow in the water and cause tummy upsets and additives to keep the tree fresh may be dangerous.
Choose Pet-Safe Decorations
Check your tree and other decorations for safety. Avoid glass or other breakable ornaments to ensure there’s no chance of your dog ingesting shards that can damage his digestive tract. Don’t use edible ornaments like the ones made of salt dough.
Keep your dog from chewing on cords by coating them with a vet-approved relent. For both fire safety and your dog’s safety, unplug the tree lights when you leave.
If you like to decorate with live greenery, be aware that the following seasonal plants are toxic to pets.
- Poinsettia
- Mistletoe
- Pine
- Holly
- Cedar
- Lillies
Give Them Pet Safe Treats and Toys
It’s fun the share the holiday spirit with your furry pal with special treats and toys. While a bit of boneless turkey or ham is okay occasionally, you should mostly stick to treats for dogs. Chocolate, especially dark, rich cocoa is toxic to dogs, and foods like raisins, chives, onion, and garlic can be harmful.
When shopping for pet toys, look for indestructible ones that won’t shred. Check the label for vet-approved seals.
Watch Out for Open Flames
Use caution when lighting menorahs or candles and don’t leave them unattended. Wagging tails and wandering paws can knock them offer and burn your pet or start a fire. Watch them around the fireplace too and use a screen or close the glass doors when using it. Don’t let dogs chew on treated fire starters or tinder. Keep them well out of reach.
Monitor the Trash and Leftovers
The trash can is tempting to pets and can pose dangers, especially during the holidays. Chicken and turkey bones, empty paper and plastic meat wrappings, plastic ties, and butcher strings can make your dog sick. Secure trash bags tightly and place them outdoors in covered receptacles.
Watch out for plates sitting around with leftovers or your dog will be sure to sneak a snack. Rich holiday foods can cause gastritis in dogs. Never leave half-empty glasses of alcoholic beverages sitting around.
Give Them a Safe Space
The holidays are hectic times. All the extra excitement and guests coming and going can be stressful for your dog. Don’t forget, that dogs are extra sensitive to noise. Poppers, noisemakers, loud music, and fireworks may create an anxious pet. Even a normally friendly dog can become aggressive when they are nervous and stressed. You don’t want to risk being liable for a dog bite, so be sure to watch for signs that your dog needs a break from the excitement.
Give him a safe space to escape all the commotion. Pick a corner of the living room or bedroom and fill it with a soft blanket and dog-friendly distractions.
Don’t Skip Exercise and Mental Stimulation
The holidays are busy times, but remember, a tired dog is well-behaved and happy. Don’t let the bustle of the holidays keep you from exercising your dog at least twice a day whether on a walk or entertaining him indoors with interactive dog toys. All of the released energy will help keep him calm during the festivities and maintain long-term health.
