December 5, 2023 |
Els Desart

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

We love Christmas at Everything Dog – we have the best time creating special enrichment games to make the festive season extra fun (for the dogs as well, of course)!

Human Christmas traditions come with a number of hazards for our canine friends – but when we know what to watch out for, every pet owner can create a very merry, dog-friendly Christmas celebration.

 

Here’s our handy Everything Dog Christmas holiday check list:

1. Choose Safe Decorations:
Avoid using decorations that your dog might be tempted to chew on or play with, such as tinsel or glass ornaments. Keep Christmas lights and electrical cords out of your dog’s reach to prevent chewing (especially puppies going through their chewing stage). Opt for LED candles instead of open flames.

2. Make Your Tree Pet-Safe:
Secure your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling over if your dog decides to investigate. You could also consider using a pet pen to block off the tree or create a designated dog-free zone. If you have a real tree, sweep up any pine needles and make sure your dog can’t drink the tree water.

3. Select Non-Toxic Plants:
Many traditional holiday plants, like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to dogs. Choose pet-safe alternatives or keep these plants out of reach.

4. Dogs Love Gifts Too:
Wrap up some dog-friendly gifts like new toys or treats to make your pup feel included in the festivities (for lots of doggy gift ideas – come and visit us in the ED store)! Just be careful to dispose of wrapping paper and ribbons so they’re not tempted to play with them, as they can become a choking risk.

5. Create a Quiet Retreat:
The holiday season can be overwhelming for dogs with lots of new people, boisterous children, smells, and unfamiliar decorations. High energy breeds are particularly at risk of becoming over stimulated by all the action. Create a quiet, comfortable space where your dog can retreat if they need a break. Make sure they have access to their bed or blanket, fresh water, and favourite toys.

6. Watch Out for Human Foods:
Many human treats can be harmful to dogs, so keep festive foods out of your dog’s reach (this includes chocolate, onions, alcohol, anything containing artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, and garlic in large quantities). Don’t share any fatty or seasoned foods with your dog, or foods with cooked bones. Remind your guests not to feed your dog any table scraps – especially the children!

7. Keep to Your Dog’s Routine:

Stick to your dog’s regular routine as much as possible – consistency helps to reduce stress. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise, even with the busyness of the season.

8. Check ID Tags and Microchipping:
With people coming and going, make sure your dog has proper identification in case they accidentally escape. Ensure your contact information is up to date on both their tags and microchip record.

9. Keep an Eye on Temperatures:
Ensure your dog always has a cool, shaded place to escape the summer heat, and provide plenty of water.

10. Avoid Loud Noises:
Festive activities like fireworks and loud celebrations can be frightening for some dogs. Create a quiet indoor space for your dog during noisy events and give them lots of cuddles and reassurance.

 

Remember that each dog is unique, so pay attention to their individual needs and reactions during the holiday season. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that both you and your furry friend have an enjoyable Christmas and safe holiday season.

Here’s to a Christmas filled with love, joy, and wagging tails!