The Christmas holiday season is magical for the whole family, including your dog! While it can be fun for your dog, there are some things to be careful about. Here’s how to navigate Christmas with your dog in mind:

Things to Be Careful About

  1. Holiday Foods: Many festive treats are unsafe for dogs. Avoid chocolate, raisins, nuts, and anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Instead, keep your dog on their regular diet to avoid digestive upset.
  2. Decorations: Tinsel, ornaments, and lights can be tempting for curious dogs. Keep breakables out of reach, and secure the tree to prevent tipping. Use pet-safe cords to avoid chewing hazards.
  3. Gifts Under the Tree: If gifts include food or scented items, your dog might investigate. Keep them wrapped and elevated to avoid accidental “unwrapping.”
  4. Holiday Plants: Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are toxic to dogs. Opt for faux alternatives or place plants where your dog can’t reach. Poinsettias have a bad reputation but this is mostly an urban myth. If eaten they will cause mild symptoms like vomiting, drooling and runny stools. More serious symptoms are rare as the toxicity is generally low.

 

Fun Things to Do with Your Dog

  1. Festive Walks: Take your dog for a walk to see holiday lights. It’s great exercise and a chance for them to enjoy new sights and smells and to practice your meet and greets (ask Julie Nelson how to best meet others on a walk, and see her past blogs at www.lifestyledogtraining.com)
  2. Doggy Christmas Stockings: Fill a stocking with dog-safe treats, toys, and chews for your pet to enjoy on Christmas morning. They love to join in on the present opening fun!
  3. Photos with Santa: Many pet-friendly venues offer Santa photos for pets. It’s a fun way to capture holiday memories.
  4. Homemade Treats: Bake holiday-themed dog treats, like peanut butter cookies or pumpkin snacks, for your pet to enjoy. Recipes may be found online.

 

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

  • Monitor guests to ensure doors and gates stay closed to prevent your dog from escaping.
  • Give your dog a quiet space for retreat if the festivities get overwhelming. Often the best option is to bring them to Paws In Time for daycare, and boarding is always a great option as well.
  • Supervise interactions between children and your dog to ensure everyone stays safe and happy.

 

With a little preparation, Christmas can be a joyful and safe time for you and your dog. Including your pup in the holiday fun strengthens your bond and makes the season even more special! Merry Christmas!