Holiday Safety Tips for Dog Parents

written by Freshpet

The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and festive cheer—but for dog parents, it can also have potential hazards. As we deck the halls and indulge in delicious seasonal treats, it's important to remember that the holidays can pose new risks for our furry companions. With Christmas trees, lights, and a variety of tempting holiday treats, it's easy for dogs to get into things they shouldn't, including unsuitable foods. As pet owners, our goal is to make the holidays joyful for everyone, including our pets. From choosing the right dog food to preventing access to harmful decorations, here are some essential holiday safety tips to keep your dog safe and sound throughout the season.

Keep Holiday Decorations Out of Reach

Holiday decorations are a staple of the season, but they can present potential dangers to curious dogs. From sparkling lights to fragile ornaments, there are several things that might tempt your dog and lead to accidents. Here’s how to minimize the risk:

Christmas Tree Safety: If you're putting up a Christmas tree, make sure to secure it properly. Dogs, especially puppies, may be attracted to the tree, and it's important to make sure it’s stable enough to withstand any curious nudges. Consider using a heavy base or securing the tree to a wall in order to avoid toppling.

Ornaments and Tinsel: Hanging decorations such as ornaments, tinsel, or garlands should be kept well out of reach of your pet. Tinsel, in particular, can be dangerous if ingested, as it can cause gastrointestinal blockages. Shatterproof ornaments are a great option to avoid any broken glass hazards.

Lights and Cords: Holiday lights can be particularly tempting for dogs who love to chew. Ensure that all light cords are tucked away or secured to prevent chewing. It's also a good idea to unplug lights when you're not around to keep an eye out.

Candles: Candles create a cozy, festive atmosphere, but they can be hazardous if knocked over by a tail or inquisitive paws. Always place candles in places your dog cannot access, or use flameless LED candles as a much safer alternative.

Beware of Toxic Plants

While many of us love to decorate our homes with seasonal plants, some of them can be toxic to dogs. Be sure to keep the following plants away from your pet:

Poinsettias: While not as deadly as some plants, poinsettias can cause stomach upset, drooling, and skin irritation if ingested or chewed on by dogs.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe contains toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems if eaten. Keep it out of your dog’s reach or opt for artificial mistletoe instead.

Holly and Ivy: Both holly and ivy can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Be sure to place these plants in areas where your dog can’t reach them.

If you’re unsure about the safety level of any holiday plants, it’s best to research them or keep them in areas your dog can’t access.

Keep Holiday Treats Away from Your Dog

Holiday meals often come with an abundance of rich, flavorful treats—but many of these foods are dangerous for dogs. As tempting as it may be to share a bite of your holiday feast, it’s important to resist the urge. Here are some common holiday foods to avoid giving your dog:

Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and even seizures. Keep anything with chocolate out of your dog’s reach, including any candies, cakes, or cookies.

Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Make sure to keep any holiday snacks containing these ingredients far away from your pet.

Alcohol: Dogs can’t process alcohol like humans, and even a small amount can be harmful. Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach and never give your dog a taste.

Cooked Bones: Holiday roasts often come with the temptation of leftover bones. However, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious internal injuries. Avoid giving your dog any cooked bones.

Onions, Garlic, and Certain Spices: Common holiday ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain spices (such as nutmeg) are toxic to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or even more severe conditions like hemolytic anemia. Avoid giving your dog any food seasoned with these ingredients.

If you’re looking to spoil your dog during the holidays, consider offering them dog-friendly treats or choosing the best fresh dog food for a nutritious and safe alternative. You can also try making homemade dog biscuits that are safe for them to enjoy.

Watch Out for Holiday Stress

The holidays can bring a lot of excitement and chaos, with new people in the house, unfamiliar smells, and changing routines. While this may be fun for some dogs, it can cause stress or anxiety for others. Here’s how to help your dog cope:

Create a Quiet Space: If your dog is nervous around crowds or noise, create a calm and quiet space where they can retreat to when things get overwhelming. This space should include their bed, favorite toys, and water.

Maintain Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so try to stick to their usual feeding and walk schedule as much as possible. If you’re traveling or having guests over, try to keep your dog’s routine consistent to help reduce anxiety.

Avoid Overexcitement: Holiday festivities can get chaotic with all the guests, decorations, and new smells. If your dog is easily overstimulated, try to manage their exposure to these things. Allow them time to rest away from the action.

Consider Calming Aids: For particularly anxious dogs, calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming collars can help reduce stress. Consult your vet for recommendations if you think your dog might need additional support.

Don’t Forget Regular Exercise

Amid all the holiday hustle and bustle, don’t forget about your dog’s regular exercise needs. Even during the winter months, it’s important to keep your dog active and engaged. Regular exercise helps manage weight, alleviate stress, and keep your dog healthy.

If you’re traveling, make sure your dog’s exercise routine remains a priority. If you’re staying at a family member’s house, ask if there are nearby places where you can walk or play with your dog.

Secure the Holiday Trash

With all the extra food and packaging that comes with holiday meals, it’s easy to forget about the trash. However, dogs are notorious for getting into trash cans and eating things they shouldn’t. To keep your dog safe, make sure to securely tie up your holiday trash and store it in a pet-proof area. If you’re looking to offer your dog something special, consider feeding them fresh food for dogs instead of scraps, ensuring they enjoy a safe and nutritious treat during the holidays.

Conclusion

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they come with unique risks for our pets. As dog parents, it’s our job to keep our furry friends safe from potential dangers that come with festive decorations, seasonal plants, and tempting treats. By staying aware of these potential hazards and taking steps to protect your dog, you can ensure that everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike—has a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday season.

Happy Holidays, and always remember: safety first, fun second!