Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season with Your Dog
The holidays bring lots of smiles and joy this time of year. While you are busy prepping food and parties, sometimes your dog is not your first priority. Did you know that there are some safety concerns for your dog during the holidays, including toxic foods, fire hazards, and safety for those who visit? Here are 5 safety tips to consider during your holiday festivities.
- Watch What Your Dog is Eating
A holiday party can mean a lot of dropped pieces of food under the table. Some common foods that may be dangerous to our dogs during the holidays include grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and cooked bones. If you know this might be tantalizing to your dog, consider putting your dog in a separate room or crate while your house guests eat.
- Keep Candles Out of Reach
Candles are a leading cause of house fires during the holidays. Animals and candles are not usually a good mix. Dog tails can easily knock over a candle if they are not placed high enough and cats can knock over candles in hard-to-reach locations. Consider using a flameless candle for a flickering effect or a wax melt to enjoy that delicious smell.
- Check Those Electrical Cords
The holidays usually mean more electrical cords are present in the house because of decorations and cooking appliances. Check to make sure cords are solid and not fraying before plugging them in. If you know your dog may be extra interested in cords, consider placing them behind furniture or gates to make sure your dog cannot chew on them. Broken cords can cause electrocution and house fires.
- Prevent Inappropriate Interactions Between Your Dog and House Guests
If your house is home to the holiday parties, chances are you will not be able to actively watch your dogs during the party. This can give your dog the opportunity to practice undesirable behaviors while you are not present. If your dog is young or opportunistic, consider putting your dog away while you are busy so they cannot practice these inappropriate behaviors. Sometimes parties can be too overwhelming for your dog and they actually appreciate being separated. Giving your dog a food toy or something to chew on in a separate room may be just what they need to celebrate the holiday!
- Prepare for Fireworks
It seems fireworks are becoming more popular during holidays, not just Fourth of July. If your dog is worried about fireworks, prepare for them on major holidays such as New Year’s Eve. Music, a dark room, something to chew on, and medication (if prescribed by your veterinarian) should be prepared in advance so you are ready when the time comes.
Preparing your dog in advance can lead to less stress when the holiday parties or fireworks come around. Take the time now to plan what you will do with your dog during parties or fireworks so you are not scrambling to figure it out the day of. Keeping candles and electrical cords out of reach of all pets can help prevent house fires this holiday season. Taking these small steps can help reduce the stress on you and your dog. When you don’t have to worry about these things, you can enjoy more of the holidays with your dog. Happy Howlidays from Alliance of Therapy Dogs!
