The holiday season is here and, while it’s a time for fun and celebration, there are some potential hazards for our furry friends. If you want your pup to enjoy the festivities without any mishaps, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Dog-Proof the Christmas Tree
With the holidays comes one of the best decorations - the Christmas tree! However, we need to remember that our furry friends may also want to take part in the festivities. Keeping your dog away from the Christmas tree is essential to keep your decorations intact and safe. After all, nothing can ruin the holiday spirit quite like spilled pine needles, fallen ornaments, and tangled strings of lights. So don't forget to keep an extra eye on Spot when it's time to set up the tree this year - he just might want a slice of the action!
Be Careful With Candles
Candles definitely add a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home. But did you know that candles are also a potential fire hazard for your furry friends? Dogs are naturally curious, so keep them away from candles: it only takes a knock from that wagging tail to cause trouble! If possible, opt for battery-operated candles instead of real ones - they provide just as much light and ambiance without the risk. So go ahead, have some fun creating the perfect candlelit environment for your family. Just make sure to keep the furry members of your family safe by exercising caution where those burning flames are concerned!
Prepare for Party Guests
Keeping an eye on your pup is always a good idea when they’re around other people. Your furry friend could get so excited at the prospect of making new friends that they just can’t resist jumping up to say hi! Don’t worry about it though - just make sure you apologize for their sudden enthusiasm and maybe show them how to politely greet people instead! We all know our four legged friends need the occasional reminder that not everyone likes to be tackled with unconditional love!!
Identify Your Dog
Your pup is part of the family, so make sure they have a collar with ID tags that'll help identify them in case they ever get lost. That way, you'll be able to rest assured knowing that if your pup accidentally gets out of the house and runs away, anyone who finds them can easily contact you and let them know who their hopefully soon-to-be beloved pet belongs to. It's really an easy task that'll give you peace of mind - plus, it's fun finding just the right collar and tags for your furry friend!
Beware of Food Hazards
Delicious food is always part of the holiday season, but some items may not be safe for your pup to eat. Grapes and raisins can be toxic for dogs, as can nuts like macadamias and walnuts. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can make your pup very sick if ingested; dark chocolate is especially dangerous. Keep candy dishes out of reach, so Fido won’t have access to anything potentially harmful — remember those wrappers are also hazardous!
Also, watch out for fatty foods like turkey skin or ham fat trimmings; these can lead to pancreatitis in dogs due to their high fat content. If you want to share a treat with your pup this holiday season, look for holiday themed treats and snacks created especially for dogs, like our seasonal favorite, Ugly Sweater Party— adorable heart-shaped treats filled with sweet cranberries, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with the right amount of cinnamon.
Remember Fireworks Safety
The sound of fireworks going off on New Year's Eve may excite humans but they can be terrifying (and extremely loud!) for dogs. To keep your pup comfortable during fireworks displays, create a safe haven in your home by closing all windows and doors as well as drawing curtains across windows where possible — this will muffle the sound of any outdoor displays significantly. You could also play soothing music or leave on the TV; this will help to distract your dog from any loud noises he hears outside. Finally, consider getting him a ThunderShirt or other anxiety wrap. These snug-fitting garments help relieve anxiety in dogs during stressful situations such as thunderstorms or fireworks displays.
With these safety tips under your belt, you'll have everything you need to ensure that both you and your pup have an enjoyable holiday season without any unnecessary accidents! Have fun with your furriest family this festive season!