It may be hard to believe, but in just a few short weeks the holiday season will be underway. Holidays are a time for celebration with your family, and for most dog owners, your pet is considered an equal part of that family. Your dog might not understand the meaning behind the lights, decorations, and events, but including them in holiday celebrations in a safe manner should be a top priority. Read on to find out the unexpected risks of the holiday season and learn ways to keep them safe!
Protect Your Dog’s Health
The most common safety issue for dogs during the holiday season is ingesting food or materials that can make them sick or worse. Compared to everyday life, holiday party preparations or decorations introduce multiple unique substances not usually found in your home.
Mistletoe, the plant responsible for many memorable moments across the country each year, can lead to digestive pain and breathing issues if consumed by your pet. Despite usually hanging high out of reach, leaves or branches of the plant can fall to the floor and be chewed up by a curious canine. Opting for a plastic or imitation variety can prevent unnecessary heartache, and your guests won’t notice the difference!
Feeding your dog any assortment of holiday treats or dishes can have devastating results, even if they give you puppy dog eyes during the meal. Without listing every possible health risk, you should know that common items such as Thanksgiving turkey, chocolate sweets, and alcohol all have potentially dangerous health effects for dogs. If you want to treat your furry friend this holiday season, take advantage of the many brands of holiday-themed dog-safe treats on the market.
Holiday decorations, such as lights, candles, electronics, or Christmas trees, also pose a risk to your dog’s health. Your dog will naturally be curious about new additions to the home, but this curiosity might be dangerous. Loose wires from decorations or decorative lighting and open flames from candles can even lead to fire risks for your house and family. Christmas tree pines should be swept up as often as possible, as these, too, can be harmful if ingested. A well-lit Christmas tree will entice your pet to come to investigate; make sure the area is safe for them!
Social Risks For Your Dog During the Holidays
Even if your dog stays healthy during the holiday season, you want to ensure their happiness and mental well-being is also considered.
Large gatherings, more common during the holiday season, can put stress on dogs that are not socialized or comfortable in crowds of unfamiliar people. If your dog is not happy when surrounded by strangers, find a quiet and calming part of the house to place them during any large parties.
It would be best to consider your dog’s temperament when deciding what to do with them during a gathering. During a family gathering, your dog might interact with young children or senior citizens for the very first time. If your dog, especially a larger breed, has not had experience playing with humans outside of your immediate family, they might injure others during their rambunctious play. Even a well-mannered pet may act out if strangers push your dog’s boundaries. If concerned, it may be wise to keep your dog away from the party. You can always give them lots of extra love and care when the party winds down!
The holiday season should be a time for celebration and joy, not stress. Following these simple tips and guidelines can ensure another year of fun with your pup. If you want to develop a deeper bond with your dog, talk to the Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training experts. We offer obedience classes for puppy to mature dogs – and are dedicated to keeping your furry friend safe throughout their entire life.
