Protect your pooch: 50 essential dog holiday safety tips

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration but can pose unexpected risks for our furry friends. Let’s keep the cheer alive while ensuring our dogs stay safe amidst the festivities.

With festive foods and dazzling decorations throughout your home, ensuring your furry friend stays safe is essential.

Explore the common risk factors and use 33 essential dog holiday safety tips to easily navigate potential hazards and keep your dog happy and healthy this holiday season.

Recognize holiday food hazards for dogs

Specific seasonal favorites can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.

Keep these foods out of reach at all times:

• Grapes and raisins: These can lead to acute kidney failure, even in small amounts.
• Chocolate: A well-known hazard, chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures in dogs.
• Onions, garlic and chives: Found in many holiday dishes, onions, garlic and chives can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Rich or fatty foods: Turkey skin, gravy and buttery dishes can trigger pancreatitis — a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks: Both can lead to severe health problems, including seizures and respiratory distress.
• Macadamia nuts: These nuts are particularly dangerous, causing weakness, vomiting and tremors.
• Yeast dough: Raw dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing bloat and discomfort. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, which is toxic to them.
• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free candies, gum and some baked goods, this artificial sweetener can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
• Dairy products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and rich dairy items like cream or cheese can upset their stomachs.
• Nutmeg: Common in holiday desserts, nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, elevated heart rate, and seizures in dogs. 
• Cooked bones: These can splinter easily, posing choking hazards or causing internal injuries.
• Cinnamon: While small amounts are generally safe, large quantities can irritate your dog’s mouth and digestive system, leading to vomiting or low blood sugar.

Instead, offer dog-safe holiday treats like plain cooked sweet potatoes, unsweetened cranberries, or small amounts of unseasoned turkey. Be sure you know about the ingredients in holiday food to avoid exposing your dog to anything that can cause stomach upset or worse.

Keep your dog away from dangerous decorations

Decorations can be irresistible to curious dogs but pose significant risks. Follow these dog holiday safety tips to keep popular Christmas decor items far from your furry friend:

• Christmas trees: Dogs may chew on pine needles, which can irritate their mouths and stomachs. Secure your tree to prevent it from toppling, and keep potentially toxic water additives, such as preservatives, out of reach. Don’t let your dog drink tree water.
• Tinsel, ornaments and strings: If ingested, these decorations can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Avoid using them on low-hanging branches or skip them altogether.
• Electric cords: Tree lights and electric cords are tempting for puppies and dogs to chew, which can result in burns or electrocution. Cover cords or use pet-safe cord protectors.
• Candles: A wagging tail can easily knock over lit candles, causing burns or fires. Opt for flameless LED candles for a safer glow.
• Glass ornaments: Fragile glass ornaments can break into sharp pieces, injuring your dog if chewed or stepped on.
• Edible ornaments: Items like popcorn strings, candy canes, or gingerbread ornaments are tempting but potentially dangerous if consumed.
• Snow globes: Often contain ethylene glycol, a toxic substance in antifreeze. If ingested, it can be lethal to dogs.
• Artificial snow spray: Commonly used for decorating windows and trees, this aerosol product is toxic if inhaled or licked by pets.
• Potpourri: Both dried and liquid versions can contain harmful essential oils and plant materials if consumed or inhaled.
• Holiday scents and diffusers: Some essential oils, including pine, cinnamon, and peppermint, are toxic to dogs and should be used cautiously.
• Mistletoe and holly: If ingested in larger amounts, these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms.
• Poinsettias: The sap of this plant can irritate a dog’s skin and stomach. If ingested, it can also cause diarrhea and vomiting.
• Amaryllis: These can cause stomach pains and severe digestive distress.

Instead, consider dog-safe alternatives like artificial plants or non-toxic flowers like roses.

Protect your dog

Preventing accidents isn’t just about avoiding specific foods or decorations — it’s also about taking proactive steps to make your home dog-friendly during the holidays.

Try eight practical dog holiday safety tips to dog-proof your home.

Secure your tree

Anchor your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling if your dog jumps or bumps into it. Use a sturdy stand and avoid low-hanging decorations that might tempt curious pets.

Keep trash covered

Wrapping paper, ribbons, and food scraps from holiday meals can be harmful if swallowed. Use a trash can with a secure lid, or keep waste out of your dog’s reach.

Store gifts safely

Dogs may be tempted to chew on wrapped presents, especially if they contain food or scented items. Store gifts in a safe place until it’s time to open them.

Choose shatterproof decorations

Broken ornaments can be a hazard for humans and pets. Opt for plastic or wooden ornaments instead of glass to reduce injury risks.

Block off risky areas

Use baby gates or playpens to limit your dog’s access to heavily decorated areas or spaces with fragile items. Secure any high-risk areas by keeping your dog in a different part of the house.

Secure exits

With frequent comings and goings, dogs can dart outside and get lost. Use gates or exercise pens to block doorways, and ensure your dog is microchipped and wearing updated ID tags.

Educate guests

Remind visitors to check with you before feeding your dog any scraps or treats. This is especially important for guests who don’t own pets, as they may be unfamiliar with which foods are toxic.

Create a safe space

Being around a crowd all day can get overwhelming for your furry friend. Designate a quiet area for your dog to retreat to, away from loud celebrations and unfamiliar faces.

Be prepared in case of emergencies

If your dog ingests something toxic

Stay calm: Take a deep breath and focus on the next steps.

Identify the substance: Determine what your dog ingested, if possible.

Call poison control:

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680
• ASPCA Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435

Contact your vet: Call your veterinarian or their after-hours number for guidance.

Do not induce vomiting: Follow the advice of professionals.

If your dog gets injured

Assess the injury: Look for bleeding, limping, or unusual behavior.

Control bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.

Keep your dog calm: Try to soothe them.

Contact your vet: Explain the injury and follow their instructions.

Prepare for transport: Leash your dog and have a plan to take them to the vet.

Emergency contacts

Create a list of emergency contacts that includes your vet’s phone number, your local emergency clinic’s phone number, and the Pet Poison Helpline and ASPCA Poison Control numbers.

Keep this information handy and ensure all family members know the emergency procedures.

Holiday exercise and mental stimulation

The holiday season can disrupt dogs’ routines, potentially leading to stress and mischief.

To keep your dog engaged and happy, it’s essential to provide both mental and physical stimulation.

Mental stimulation

To combat boredom and anxiety during the holidays, consider using puzzle toys that challenge your dog and reward them with hidden treats.

Engaging them in holiday-themed games, like scent trails where they search for treats, can also be beneficial.

Physical exercise

Regular exercise is crucial for your dog’s health and mental clarity.

Make time for daily walks, particularly in decorated neighborhoods for added stimulation.

If the weather allows, outdoor activities like hiking or playing in the snow are great ways to burn energy. Organizing playdates or visiting a dog park can also enhance social interaction.

Travel safety tips

During the holiday season, traveling or hosting guests can be challenging for pet owners.

Here are some quick tips to ensure a safe experience.

Safely transport dogs

Use a secure carrier: Transport your dog in a crate or carrier to keep them safe and prevent distractions while driving.

Safety harness: If you don’t use a crate, a safety harness that attaches to the seat belt is a great alternative, allowing for some movement while keeping them secure.

Frequent breaks: Plan regular stops for bathroom breaks and exercise to keep your dog comfortable and reduce anxiety.

Never leave alone in the car: Avoid leaving your pet in a parked car, as temperatures can rise quickly and become dangerous.

Update identification: Ensure your dog wears an ID tag with your contact info and consider microchipping for extra security.

Manage visits with unfamiliar pets or people

Create a safe space: Designate a quiet place where your dog can retreat if feeling overwhelmed, complete with their bed and toys.

Introduce gradually: Allow your dog to meet unfamiliar people and pets slowly, observing their body language for any signs of stress.

Supervise interactions: Always supervise your dog around unfamiliar people or other pets to prevent any issues.

Set boundaries: Communicate your pet’s boundaries to guests and inform them of any off-limits areas.

Watch for stress signals: Be aware of signs of distress in your dog and provide them a break if needed.

Train for calm holiday behavior

The holiday season can be overwhelming for dogs due to new sights and sounds.

To help your pup stay calm, implement positive reinforcement training, which rewards desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.

Identify triggers: Observe your dog to pinpoint situations that trigger anxiety, such as loud noises or crowds, so you can manage their reactions.

Use dog-safe treats: Keep high-value treats handy to reward your dog for calm behavior. When they relax or greet guests quietly, offer them a treat to reinforce this positive behavior.

Incorporate toys: Offer a favorite toy or a treat-filled puzzle as a distraction during hectic moments. This can help them stay calm and focused.

Offer affection: Gentle petting and praise can also be effective rewards. When your dog remains calm, express your approval with affection to strengthen your bond.

Create a safe space: Designate a quiet area in your home where your dog can retreat during busy times. Reward them for choosing to relax there instead of getting overly excited.

Use dog holiday safety tips 

The holidays are a time for celebration; with some planning, your dog can join in safely.

Choose dog-friendly alternatives, and always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful.

Use dog holiday safety tips to prioritize your canine companion’s health and make this holiday season joyful for everyone, including you.

Jane Marsh is an environmental writer passionate about pet care and health. To read more of her work, visit her site Environment.co.

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