Ho-Ho-Oh No! Protecting Your Dog from Holiday Dangers

Keep Your Pup Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, bringing twinkling lights, aromatic feasts, and cheerful celebrations. While we love this festive time of year, our four-legged friends face unique challenges during the holidays. From curious noses investigating new decorations to excited tails knocking into fragile ornaments, there's plenty to watch out for. Here's your guide to keeping your dog safe and happy throughout the season.

Holiday curiosity comes in all shapes and sizes.

Even a small space can be a big adventure—just a reminder to supervise our pups around decorations.

Tree Safety: A Priority for Pet Parents

That beautiful Christmas tree you've just set up? Your dog sees it as the most interesting addition to their territory all year. Protect both your decorations and your pup with these strategies:

Skip the Sparkle: Tinsel may catch the light beautifully, but it's a serious hazard if your dog ingests it. Leave it off your tree entirely.

Elevation Matters: Keep breakable ornaments and anything particularly eye-catching on the upper branches where curious paws can't reach them.

Anchor Your Tree: Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling if your dog bumps into it or tries to investigate too closely.

Monitor First Encounters: Stay nearby during your dog's initial interactions with the tree. Don't leave them unsupervised until you're confident they understand it's off-limits.

Practice "Leave It": This command is your best friend during the holidays. Be consistent—even if it looks adorable when they bat at a low-hanging ornament, don't allow it.

Tree Water Troubles: If you have a real tree, cover the water reservoir. Tree water can contain fertilizers, bacteria, or sap that's harmful if consumed.

Artificial May Be Better: Consider an artificial tree to eliminate concerns about pine needles, sap, and tempting tree water.

Barrier Solutions: A decorative baby gate or pet pen around your tree creates a physical boundary for particularly persistent pups.

The holidays are full of tempting surprises.

From torn paper to hidden treats, it’s a great time to keep an eye on curious noses and paws.

Keep Edibles Elsewhere: Never place food gifts, chocolate boxes, or candy under the tree where your dog might find them during an unsupervised moment.

Food Safety: What Not to Share

The holiday table is laden with delicious dishes, but many traditional foods spell trouble for dogs:

Resist Those Puppy Eyes: Even small amounts of rich, fatty foods can upset your dog's stomach or trigger serious conditions like pancreatitis.

Know the Danger List: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and ham top the list of holiday hazards. Ham, in particular, sends many dogs to emergency vets during the holidays due to pancreatitis.

Turkey Trouble: Cooked poultry bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injuries. Keep all bones away from your dog.

Trash Security: Use a trash can with a secure lid or place it in a locked cabinet. Dogs have an uncanny ability to access "sealed" garbage.

Special Treats Instead: Prepare dog-safe holiday treats or set aside plain, unseasoned turkey or vegetables specifically for your pup.

Decoration Do's and Don'ts

Holiday décor creates ambiance for us but potential hazards for pets:

Electrical Safety: Bundle and secure cords along baseboards or behind furniture. Consider cord covers to prevent chewing.

Candle Caution: Battery-operated flameless candles provide the same warm glow without the fire risk. If you use real candles, place them on high surfaces away from wagging tails.

Seasonal Plants: Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to dogs. Choose pet-safe alternatives or keep them completely out of reach.

Wrap Responsibly: Clean up ribbons, bows, tape, and wrapping paper immediately. These items are choking hazards and can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Excitement can be contagious!

Festive fun is everywhere, but a little planning helps keep celebrations safe for dogs and humans alike.

Snow Globes: Many contain antifreeze, which is highly toxic. Keep these decorations on high shelves.

Managing Holiday Stress

The increased activity and changes to routine during holidays can stress your dog:

Sanctuary Space: Designate a quiet room where your dog can retreat when things get overwhelming. Include their bed, water, and favorite toys.

Routine Consistency: Try to keep feeding times, walks, and bedtime as close to normal as possible. This predictability provides comfort during chaotic days.

Recognize Anxiety: Watch for signs like excessive panting, pacing, or hiding. If your dog seems stressed, give them space and quiet time.

Exercise Matters: A well-exercised dog is a calmer dog. Make sure they still get their regular physical activity despite busy schedules.

Guest Management Tips

Hosting visitors requires extra vigilance when you have a dog:

Arrival Protocol: Keep your dog leashed or in another room when guests first arrive to prevent door-dashing.

Guest Guidelines: Brief visitors on your house rules before they interact with your dog. Some guests may not understand proper dog etiquette.

Escape Prevention: With doors opening frequently, even well-behaved dogs might seize an opportunity to explore outside. Stay alert.

Quiet Time Options: If your dog becomes overwhelmed by company, there's no shame in giving them a break in their crate or a quiet bedroom with a chew toy.

ID Check: Ensure your dog's collar, tags, and microchip information are current in case they do slip out during the commotion.

Smart Holiday Gifting

Including your dog in gift-giving is fun, but safety comes first:

Toy Supervision: Always supervise initial play with new toys to ensure they're durable and appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style.

Treat Moderation: Introducing too many new treats at once can cause digestive upset. Stick to familiar favorites or introduce novelties gradually.

Check Labels: Ensure any new treats or chews are made from quality ingredients and are appropriately sized for your dog.

Your Holiday Checklist

With these precautions in place, you and your dog can both enjoy the magic of the season. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way toward avoiding emergency vet visits during the holidays. Keep important numbers handy, including your vet's emergency contact information and the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

We'd love to hear how you keep your pets safe during the holidays! Share your tips and experiences in the comments.

A season full of joy and togetherness.

With a calm space, routines, and supervision, the holidays can be safe and happy for every furry family member.

Wishing you and your furry family members a safe, happy holiday season!

 From all of us at Service Dogs Alabama