The holidays are a time of joy and merriment, but they can also be a bit overwhelming – especially for your pup! All the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be hard on dogs prone to anxiety, so it’s important to take some extra steps to ensure that your canine companion is safe and happy throughout the holidays. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe during this festive time of year.
Secure your décor
Tinsel, lights, ornaments… oh my! Many of us love to decorate our homes with festive décor during the holiday season, but these items can pose danger to our furry friends. Tinsel and ribbons can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested by an animal, while lights and electric decorations should always be kept out of reach of pets. If you have a particularly mischievous pup who loves pulling at decorations, it may be best to keep them out of paw’s reach entirely!
Be wary of food hazards
Chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes… these foods may seem harmless enough for us humans, but they can all be dangerous (or even deadly) if consumed by pets. With all the baking that goes on around this time of year it’s important that you keep an eye on your curious pup; if you catch them snacking on something they shouldn’t have eaten, don’t panic – just call your vet for advice right away.
Practice petiquette
No matter how excited we get about our holiday guests it’s important that we remember not to overwhelm our furry family members with too much attention. Dogs are creatures of routine; introducing new people into their home and having them petted nonstop can cause stress and anxiety in our pets. Letting guests know ahead of time what kind of interaction is appropriate will help make sure everyone has a good time – two-legged visitors included!
The holidays should be a time filled with fun and joy – both for you and your four-legged family members! By taking some extra precautions we can make sure that our pups stay safe during this festive time of year. From securing décor to practicing petiquette with guests, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup happy throughout the holidays. After all, no one deserves cheer more than your canine best friend!
