New Dog Mom? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide To Pet Safety During The Holidays

Celebrating the holidays with your pup for the first time is exciting. I remember looking forward to all the memories my dog, and I would make together during our first Christmas at home, but I did not realize there were things I should do to protect him in my house.

Check out a few tips I wish I had known about ensuring your pet’s safety during the holidays.

Holiday parties are fun, but dogs can get anxious and stressed. If you have a puppy who is not used to meeting people or a rescue dog who gets nervous around strangers, take time to prepare them for your dinner parties. 

Anxious dogs adapt to strangers better if they can take their time. Tell your loved ones not to acknowledge your dog when they enter your home. They should avoid making eye contact or speaking to your pup so they will not appear threatening. It took my dog around a half hour to start approaching my friends the first time they met him.

On the flip side, your pup could be a little too overexcited and comfortable around new people visiting. Practice training techniques to prevent your dog from jumping on your guests. Be prepared for other behaviors when a dog gets excited, like urinating or vomiting, by having cleaning supplies on hand. 

When everyone leaves after your party, give your dog some extra love to thank them for being so great. Petting your four-legged best friend or even just talking to them also minimizes the overall loneliness you might feel when everyone goes home after the holidays end. You never know if your snuggle time after parties could turn into your newest routine that you both enjoy.

Research shows that 81% of American adults prefer to have home-cooked meals while celebrating holidays together. You might also be cooking or baking seasonal recipes more often during winter. I used to keep my sugar cookies in a decorative jar on my kitchen counter, but my dog immediately sniffed them out and tried to pull the lid off when I finished cleaning up from baking.

Store desserts or food that sits on your counter this winter in robust containers. They should be impossible to open without thumbs due to the locking mechanisms on each side. You will be grateful for those airtight lids if your dog pulls a canister of chocolate holiday cookies off your kitchen counter.

Christmas trees are visually delightful and add a lovely pine aroma to homes every winter. They also pose a few dangers for dogs of all sizes. If your pup tugs on the tree while you are running errands like my pup once did, will it topple onto them? I secure mine with invisible hanging wire and a small hook screwed into the wall behind it.

You could also keep your tree in a room that is gated off while you are not in the house. Some dogs will always stay curious, even when their curiosity gets them in trouble. You might keep your dog safer by only allowing them around the tree if you’re in the same room.

Dogs enjoy a few extra bites of food when the weather becomes colder. Animals use more energy to stay warm in the winter, which is why they burn more calories during cold seasons. Add a small scoop of kibble to your pup’s meals or hand them some extra treats. If your vet approves of the amount of food, you will avoid making your dog gain too much weight while meeting their caloric needs.

Holiday decor poses different risks with a dog in the house, depending on what you decorate with during the winter holidays. Seasonal candles are always extra dangerous around wagging tails. I keep mine on higher surfaces, like my kitchen table, so they don’t get knocked over while it’s lit. 

If candles make you nervous around your rambunctious puppy, use battery-powered versions that look identical to what you would otherwise choose for your home. A wax melt plugged into an outlet above your kitchen counter would also create a pleasant aroma, which could be your favorite part of lighting candles during the holidays.

My dog used to confuse the stuffed decor with his dog toys. The Santa gnome just inside my front door and the Elf on a Shelf I keep on my mantle are all too tempting for him. I move them out of his reach whenever I leave the house so they stay intact.

Do not forget about food-based decorations like popcorn garlands. Dogs will always try to take a bite of human food because they explore the world through their senses of taste and smell. Keep these garlands higher on your tree or hang them just under your ceiling. You can also keep ornaments and string lights higher up if your pup is still learning what not to chew while they adjust to your home.

People often decorate with specific indoor plants during the winter holidays. Poinsettias are gorgeous red flowers that are associated with Christmas, but it is important to remember that they’re mildly toxic for dogs due to their sap. You should not leave your pup alone with poinsettias since they could eat them. I move mine into my spare bedroom and close the door if I have to leave my dog home alone for a while.

It is always best to research your potential new houseplant before bringing it home when you are a dog owner. You will fill your home with plants that add to the beauty of your living space and enjoy them while you play with your pup. Interacting with your dog will always increase your oxytocin levels, but you’ll feel especially happy in a safe indoor garden.

Guaranteeing your dog’s safety during the holidays shouldn’t feel shrouded in mystery. Protect their health and your home by placing candles on higher surfaces, giving them extra food and playing with them indoors. You’ll have the best time together while making holiday memories for the first time, no matter how you spend the coming weeks.