How to Keep Your Dog Safe at Christmas: 10 Tips & Tricks

If you’re like most dog owners, you want to include your furry friend in all the holiday fun.

But before you deck the halls with boughs of holly, there are a few things to keep in mind to help keep your pup safe and healthy during the holidays.

Dogs love to explore and play, and they often don’t know their own strength.

If not supervised, this can often lead them to trouble.

So, with all the festivities going on, how to keep your dog safe at Christmas?

Petpress has come up with the top 10 ways to keep your doggo happy during the holiday season.

How do you puppy-proof Christmas?

So, Christmas is around the corner! Time to celebrate with your family and your furry friend!

But before you can enjoy all the fun and games that come with your dog, there’s one important thing you need to do: puppy-proof your home.

Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds. With just a few simple steps, you can make sure your home is safe and welcoming for your pup. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Keep your dog away from the Christmas tree and ornaments.

As much as your dog may want to investigate the shiny, colorful objects on your Christmas tree, it’s best to keep them away.

Ornaments can be fragile and easily broken, and if your dog knocks over the tree, it could create a major mess (not to mention a safety hazard).

So save yourself some headaches this holiday season and keep your furry friend away from the tree.

2. Keep wires and cords out of reach

To keep your furry friend from turning your Christmas into a disaster, make sure to keep wires and cords out of reach.

Bundling them up and tucking them away in a safe spot is the best way to avoid any accidents.

3. Be especially careful with candles

Dogs are curious creatures and may try to investigate flickering flames.

A wagging tail can easily knock over a candle and start a fire, so keep an eye on your furry friend when candles are lit.

And never leave a room with burning candles unattended- not even for a quick snack break!

4. Make sure that any food or candy is not within reach of your dog

If you’re like most people, your Christmas celebrations involve some kind of food or candy.

But if you have a dog, it’s important to make sure that none of this is within reach.

Some kinds of candy can be harmful to dogs, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep all tempting treats out of reach.

Of course, that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on all the fun.

There are plenty of dog-friendly holiday foods and snacks that they’ll love just as much as any people’s food.

So go ahead and indulge – just make sure your four-legged friend doesn’t get into anything they shouldn’t.

5. Baby-proof the kitchen

If your kitchen is the heart of your home – especially during the holidays.

But if you have a four-legged friend, it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep them safe.

Use a gate or baby-proofing measures to keep them out of the kitchen.

Clean up any spills immediately, as cooking oils and other liquids can be hazardous to dogs.

6. Keep your dog on a leash when outside

Even the friendliest of dogs can be provoked into a fight during the holiday season.

Keep your dog on a leash when outside, especially if there are other dogs around – it’s the best way to avoid any potential problems.

7. Beware of toxic plants

Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are all popular plants during the holidays, but they can be toxic to dogs if ingested.

Symptoms of plant poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To keep your dog safe this holiday season, take care to keep these common plants out of reach.

And if you have any doubts about whether a particular plant is safe for your dog, err on the side of caution and keep it out of the house altogether.

8. Keep your dog hydrated

Dogs love a good walk no matter the weather.

But just because they’re bundles of energy doesn’t mean they don’t feel the cold.

Make sure to keep an eye on their hydration levels, especially during winter walks – the cold air can quickly dehydrate them.

9. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, make sure your dog has a warm, comfortable place to sleep.

A cold dog is more likely to get sick, so take some extra steps to keep your furry friend warm during the festive season.

You might even consider getting them a doggy sweater or blanket!

10. Give your dog plenty of love and attention

One of the best ways to keep your dog safe during Christmas is to give them plenty of love and attention.

Dogs are social creatures, and they thrive on human interaction.

By spending time with your dog and showing them affection, you’ll help them feel secure and happy during the holiday season.

Final Words

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and lots of fun. 

But you need to be extra careful if you have a pet dog at home as they might get too excited during the holidays.

Always supervise your dog while he or she is exploring the holiday decorations.

A little vigilance goes a long way in making sure everyone has a happy and safe holiday season!

Let us know in the comment section how you celebrate Christmas with your dog.