How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Holiday Celebrations

The holidays are a blast — twinkly lights, festive food, and family everywhere. But for our dogs? It can be a little overwhelming… and even dangerous if we’re not careful.

Over the years, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) how to keep our pups safe and stress-free during the holidays. So here’s our no-nonsense, been-there-done-that guide to helping your dog enjoy the season too.

1. Decorate Smart (and High!)

We all love a beautiful holiday setup, but sparkly ornaments and shiny tinsel look like toys to a curious pup. Our first Rhodesian Ridgeback thought the tree was a snack bar — we learned quickly.

🎄 Pro tips:

• Place fragile or small decorations higher up.
• Skip tinsel — it's too tempting and dangerous if swallowed.
• Consider gating off the tree area or using pet-proof ornaments.

2. Hide Those Wires

Holiday lights? Great. Chewed wires? Not so much.

Make sure cords are:

• Tucked behind furniture
• Covered with cord protectors
• Completely out of reach

If your dog is a chewer, keep a close eye — electrical shocks are no joke and need immediate vet care.

3. Keep Toxic Foods Off the Menu

We know those puppy eyes are hard to resist, but some holiday treats can seriously harm your dog.

🚫 Dangerous foods:

• Chocolate
• Grapes/raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (in sugar-free treats)
• Alcohol

Stick to safe, dog-friendly snacks like carrots, green beans, or plain cooked meats. And always remind guests not to “sneak” table scraps.

4. Create a Calm Zone

Between the guests, music, and fireworks, the holidays can be overwhelming. Give your dog a quiet space to retreat.

🐾 Set up:

• A cozy bed in a low-traffic room
• White noise or soft music
• Favorite toys or a chew

We always make sure our dog has a “safe zone” to decompress — it makes a huge difference when things get loud or chaotic.

5. Watch the Doors (They Might Bolt!)

Loud noises, open doors, and unfamiliar people can spook even the calmest dog. We’ve had close calls during big parties, so now we’re extra cautious.

✅ Do this:

• Keep doors and windows secure
• Use baby gates if needed
• Remind guests to shut doors carefully
• Make sure your dog wears an ID tag and is microchipped

Bonus tip: GPS trackers on collars give extra peace of mind.

6. Skip the Bones

It’s tempting to toss your dog a leftover bone, but cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Instead, treat them to:

• Store-bought dog treats
• Carrots or cucumber slices
• Plain cooked turkey or chicken (no seasoning!)

Ask your vet if you’re unsure what’s safe.

7. Keep Water Available

With all the excitement, dogs can forget to drink — especially in warm houses or during travel. Set out extra water bowls around the house, and bring a portable bowl if you're going out.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Lethargy
• Dry gums
• Sunken eyes

8. Mind the Plants and Candles

Some festive plants are toxic, like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe. Keep them well out of reach — or skip them entirely.

And candles? Definitely beautiful, but also a fire hazard if knocked over. We now use flameless LED ones — safer and no mess.

9. Set Boundaries with Guests

Not everyone knows how to behave around dogs. Some want to overfeed treats, others don’t know your dog’s limits.

Before guests arrive:

• Let them know your dog’s do’s and don’ts
• Ask them not to feed your pup without checking first
• Watch out for kids who might play too rough

10. Keep Things Clean and Safe

The holidays often mean more clutter — more risks.

🧹 Safety reminders:

• Quickly clean up broken ornaments or glass
• Store scissors, ribbons, and other sharp items
• Keep gift wrap and packaging out of paw’s reach

Final Thought

The best way to make the holidays joyful for your dog? Stay observant, be proactive, and give them lots of love and patience. With a little planning, your pup can safely be part of the celebration — tail wags and all.

Happy holidays from all of us at The Pets and Love! 🐾