The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but they also come with unique hazards for your furry friends. By being mindful of potential risks, you can ensure your dog stays safe and healthy throughout the season. From festive foods to decorations, here are essential tips to keep your pup protected while enjoying the holidays together.
Common Holiday Foods Dogs Can’t Eat
Holiday foods are a big part of celebrations, but not all are safe for your dog. It is important to remember that the many holiday foods we enjoy can be toxic to dogs. Avoid giving your dog chocolate, grapes/raisins, cooked bones, fatty scraps, and foods cooked with seasonings such as onion, garlic or high amounts of sodium, as these can be toxic or cause severe health issues. To prevent accidents, keep plates of food out of reach and remind guests not to feed your dog table scraps.
Keeping Dogs Safe Around Decorations & Lights
Holiday decorations are a wonderful way to bring some extra cheer into your home, but they can also come with a few risks for our furry friends. To keep your pet safe, make sure your Christmas tree is securely anchored so it won’t tip over if your dog jumps or plays nearby. You could set up a baby gate to limit their access to the tree area as an additional precaution. When it comes to ornaments and decorations, try to keep the small, fragile ones and tinsel out of their reach, as these could pose choking hazards or create tummy troubles if ingested. You should also be cautious with decorative holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies, as they are toxic to dogs. Choose pet-safe artificial plants or decorations to avoid any health risks.
Additionally, while lights and candles are beautiful they can be dangerous if your dog is curious or excitable. Replace open flames with battery-operated candles or LED lights to minimize risks. Secure light strands to keep them out of reach, and always place candles on high, stable surfaces. Never leave lit candles unattended in a room with pets, as accidents can happen quickly.
Managing Winter Weather in Portland
Winter weather brings its challenges during the holiday season, particularly the cold weather here in Portland–freezing temperatures, snow, ice, etc. Short-haired or small breeds may need sweaters or coats for warmth during outdoor activities. After walks, be sure to wipe your dog’s paws to remove snow, ice, or salt that may have been picked up. Avoid letting your dog eat snow, as it could contain harmful chemicals or other objects they shouldn’t ingest. Since it gets darker earlier during winter, reflective collars, leashes, or LED lights can help ensure your dog is visible and safe during nighttime walks.
Keeping Presents Safe from Paws
Presents under the tree can also attract your dog’s attention, especially if they smell like food. Keep wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows out of reach in case your dog tries to eat them, and dispose of gift wrap immediately after opening presents. Edible gifts like chocolate or baked goods should be stored securely to prevent your pup from getting them. For safety, avoid leaving presents with small or sharp parts unattended under the tree.
Ringing in The New Year
New Year’s celebrations can be stressful or dangerous for dogs due to loud noises, fireworks, and party supplies. To keep your pet safe, create a quiet, cozy space indoors where they can rest, with soothing music or white noise to mask loud sounds and their favorite toy or blanket to keep them comfortable. Avoid taking your dog outside during fireworks, and ensure windows, doors, and fences are secure. Party supplies like noise-makers, confetti, and balloons can pose choking hazards, so keep them out of reach and clean up promptly. At midnight, be mindful of your dog’s reaction to cheering and loud music, providing reassurance or space as needed.
Doggy Daycare During the Holidays
The holidays should be a time for fun and relaxation, spent with your closest friends and family. However, they can sometimes cause a bit of stress for your dog. If you're looking for a safe space where your pup can socialize and burn off some energy before your guests arrive, Dogtopia is here to help. With dedicated playrooms for open-play daycare and the option for overnight stays, your dog can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable holiday.
If you're considering daycare or boarding for your dog, reach out to one of our five Portland locations today. Your pup will experience the "Most Exciting Day Ever" while you focus on your busy holiday schedule with peace of mind.