Holiday Dog Safety: Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy and Safe Around Guests, Food and Decorations

Alexandria, VA – As the holidays approach, excitement fills the air. We look forward to time with loved ones and friends, traditional foods, festive drinks, and seasonal sights and sounds. While the holiday season can be joyous, it can also be a little stressful, not just for humans but for our dogs as well. The strange tree that suddenly appears in the living room, unfamiliar visitors, including children, flashing lights, and other new sights and sounds can put our pets on edge. Then there’s all the decorations, plants, and foods that may be dangerous to dogs. Here are some tips to help you and your dog survive the holiday hubbub.

Manners and Life Skills: Dogs, Holiday Guests, and the Ham

A dog that can navigate around holiday activities is a joy to behold. But not all dogs are there yet, and some may not even want to interact with guests. Managing their environment to set them up for success will be key. Don’t risk your holiday ham or sweet potato pie by leaving them within your dog’s reach. When food is involved, dogs can jump surprisingly high and far.

Here are some tips to help keep your four-legged family members safe and happy during this holiday season:

• Create a “safe zone” for your family dog. Take time before the holidays arrive to practice and reinforce calm behavior on the other side of a baby gate so your dog can learn to happily observe the party without being in it. For dogs who have no interest in being around strangers, get them comfortable in a room away from the commotion. Kids running around, doorbells ringing, and people coming and going can be very stressful for your pet.
• Engage your dog in some mental and physical exercise before your guests arrive. “A tired dog is a good dog!”
• Prepare some frozen Kongs and stock up on chews. Before you sit down at the holiday table, filled with wonderful smells and goodies, designate a place for your dog so they can enjoy their own smorgasbord.
• Always supervise interactions between your dog and children to ensure their safety. Always think safety first!
• Instruct children on how to interact with your dog. Many dogs dislike being hugged or patted on the head. Provide a safe, comfortable space for your dog away from the children.
• Challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and reduce his boredom while you’re attending to your guests. Interactive food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog occupied and relaxed while your guests enjoy the holiday cheer or ring in the New Year. Trash cans filled with turkey bones or other food can be very tempting to your dog. After all, they are scavengers and resourceful animals. Keep them out of reach or use a trash can with a locking lid.
• Keep small toys, wrapping paper, tinsel, and ornament hooks out of your dog’s reach. Since dogs use their noses and mouths to investigate everything, prevention is truly the best medicine.
• Dogs can be overly interested in the beautiful evergreen tree in your living room. Consider placing an exercise pen or barrier around it to keep it out of their reach. Neither broken ornaments nor knocked-over trees will add to your holiday cheer.

The holidays can be an excellent time to reconnect with family and friends. Your dog is part of your family, and they can certainly partake in some of those festivities. Follow these tips to set your dog up for success and keep them safe during the holidays.

Wholistic Hound Academy wishes you and your canine companions a very safe and happy holiday season!

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria’s award-winning, premier canine training and learning center. Visit www.wholistichound.com and follow on social media: @wholistichound