Holiday Dog Safety Tips: Keeping Your Dog Safe This Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means! Time to break out the holiday decorations and indulge in hearty foods and sweets! Unfortunately, many of the things we do around the holidays can be dangerous, even deadly, to our four-legged friends. But don’t worry—with these holiday dog safety tips, you’ll have more holiday cheer than you know what to do with, and your doggy will be decking the halls with barks so jolly.

Try these holiday dog safety tips to help your dog stay safe:

Choose Your Decorations Wisely

One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the holidays is to put up decorations. But there’s nothing festive about having to take your dog to the emergency vet, so choosing decorations wisely is a must. First, make sure you stay away from tinsel. In fact, any small decorations that are visually stimulating, such as ball tree ornaments, can become a problem if ingested by your doggy. Also be sure to be careful with any strings of lights that you put up. If your dog decides to chew on these, electrical shock won’t be far behind.

Be Careful with Your Holiday Feast

Perhaps, the most important of all the holiday dog safety tips concerns the food we eat. Many of the foods that we consider to be holiday fare can end up hurting our doggies, some even if eaten in moderation. From cookies and candy to meat that contains bones, many of the things we consider delicious can be poisonous or hazardous to our dogs. The holidays are also a time of year that many people choose to drink alcohol. Because dogs are smaller than humans, even a small amount of alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Give Your Dog a Sanctuary

Some dogs like to be the center of attention at the holiday get together, but many are frightened by the noise and excitement, especially if there are children. Remember, a frightened dog is more likely to bite, even if they are normally mild-mannered. If you are having a party, be sure to reserve a bedroom away from the party for your dog to retreat to if they get overwhelmed. Notify your guests that the room is off limits so that only you and your doggy will have access to it.

Make Sure Your Dog Gifts Don’t Pose a Threat

If you’ve been to your pet store lately, you’ve probably noticed some holiday-themed dog toys. While they might seem like a fun treat to get your dog, many of these toys are not made with the same quality care as the toys that you trust. If you want to get your doggy something special, stick to brands that you know and trust. Doing so will prevent your dog from ingesting any poorly made pieces of their presents.

If you don’t have time for holiday dog safety tips, that’s okay! While you’re playing at holiday parties, let your dog come and play with us! Call Doggies Gone Wild for daycare or overnight boarding. And don’t forget your holiday groom for the family photos!