The holiday season is full of joy and celebration, but it also presents unique challenges for dog owners. From tempting festive foods and chaotic households to disrupted routines and travel, it’s essential to keep Christmas dog safety in mind. This guide covers every aspect of keeping your furry friend safe, answering common questions, and providing practical advice to ensure a happy and stress-free holiday for you and your dog.
Common Christmas Dog Safety Challenges
1. Festive Food Hazards
The holiday feast is a highlight for humans, but many festive foods are harmful to dogs:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs.
- Mince Pies and Christmas Pudding: Packed with raisins, currants, and alcohol, all of which can cause kidney failure.
- Cooked Bones: Can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
- Gravy and Rich Foods: High-fat content can lead to pancreatitis.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts are dangerous and can cause poisoning.
Tip: Keep all food out of reach and provide dog-safe treats like plain turkey or vegetables.
2. Chaos Around the House
Christmas often brings extra activity, from delivery drivers to family gatherings. For dogs, this can be overwhelming. Create a quiet retreat where your dog can relax, away from the commotion.
3. Disrupted Routines
Dogs thrive on consistency, but the holidays often disrupt feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules. Try to stick to their routine as closely as possible to minimise anxiety.
4. Excited Children and New Toys
Noisy toys and overexcited children can overstimulate dogs. Teach children to approach dogs calmly and supervise all interactions.
5. Cold Weather and Outdoor Risks
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia. Ice, snow, and road salt can irritate or injure paws. Always rinse your dog’s paws after walks and consider using paw balm or booties for protection.
6. Busy Streets and Parks
With more people walking dogs or playing outdoors during Christmas, public spaces can become crowded. Keep your dog on a lead and monitor interactions with unfamiliar dogs or people.
Christmas Dog Safety While Travelling
If you’re travelling for Christmas, extra precautions are necessary to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
Preparing for Travel
- Pack Essentials: Include food, water, a leash, poop bags, medications, a bed or blanket, and toys.
- Health Check: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been recently checked by the vet.
- ID Tags and Microchips: Ensure your dog’s ID tag is updated and microchip information is correct.
Safety During Car Travel
- Secure Your Dog: Use a crash-tested harness or crate to prevent accidents.
- Regular Breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks and exercise.
- Temperature Control: Never leave your dog alone in a car during extreme weather.
Flying With Your Dog
- Choose Pet-Friendly Airlines: Review their policies and requirements.
- Use Approved Carriers: Select a carrier that allows your dog to move comfortably.
- Prepare in Advance: Familiarise your dog with the carrier before travel.
Staying in Pet-Friendly Accommodation
- Research Policies: Confirm pet rules and any additional fees.
- Bring Familiar Items: A familiar bed or blanket helps your dog feel secure.
- Dog-Proof the Space: Check for hazards like small objects or exposed wires.
Top 10 Christmas Dog Safety Questions Answered
1. At what temperature should I not let my dog swim?
Dogs should avoid swimming when the water temperature is below 7°C (45°F) due to the risk of hypothermia. Ice or partially frozen water is particularly dangerous.
2. How can I keep my dog calm around visitors?
Create a quiet space where your dog can retreat. Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers, and reward calm behaviour with treats or praise.
3. What do I do if my dog eats a toxic food?
Contact your vet immediately. Provide details about the type and quantity of food ingested. Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
4. How can I manage my dog’s behaviour during family gatherings?
Use basic commands like “sit” and “stay” to manage behaviour. Keep dog treats handy to reward good behaviour, and consider using a lead indoors.
5. How do I protect my dog’s paws during winter?
Apply paw balm before walks to protect against ice and salt. Rinse paws after walks and consider using booties for extra protection.
6. Should I let my dog join in Christmas dinner?
Offer dog-safe options like plain turkey or vegetables. Avoid seasoned, sauced, or fatty foods that can upset their stomach.
7. How can I keep my dog entertained indoors?
Use puzzle feeders, play hide-and-seek with treats, or train new tricks. Rotate toys regularly to maintain their interest.
8. How do I prepare my dog for holiday travel?
Plan ahead by packing essentials, securing your dog in the car, and researching local vets near your destination.
9. How do I keep my dog safe around decorations?
Secure your tree to prevent tipping, avoid low-hanging ornaments, and keep electrical cords out of reach.
10. How can I prevent my dog from becoming overwhelmed?
Stick to their routine, exercise them before events, and provide plenty of mental stimulation with training and enrichment activities.
Brushing Up on Training for Christmas Dog Safety
The holidays are an ideal time to reinforce training:
- Basic Commands: Practise “leave it” to prevent accidents with food or decorations and “stay” to manage behaviour around guests.
- Impulse Control: Work on “wait” commands, especially at doorways.
- Recall Training: Ensure your dog reliably comes when called, particularly in new or busy environments.
Exciting Recall Challenge: Show Off Your Dog’s Recall Skills!
As part of our Christmas Dog Safety Guide, we’re launching an exciting competition to highlight the importance of training your dog’s recall—a skill that’s not just impressive but vital for their safety. Recall training can help keep your dog safe in busy environments, near roads, or around distractions, and we want to celebrate your efforts in practising this essential command!
How to Enter the Recall Challenge
Do you and your dog have recall training on point? Or are you working hard to build this crucial skill? Either way, we’d love to see your progress! Enter our Recall Challenge for a chance to win a Christmas Dog Food Hamper courtesy of Next Level Dog Food.
Steps to Enter:
- Watch Our Recall Training Video
Start by checking out our helpful recall training video on YouTube. It’s packed with tips to perfect your dog’s recall.
https://youtu.be/j8OmFpQsDhU?si=Fdya2DwJfbaP0Wfx
- Subscribe to Our Channel
Don’t miss out on more training advice and fun dog content! Hit that subscribe button to stay connected.
- Record Your Recall Practice
Show us your dog practising recall—whether they’re a beginner or a pro. Make it fun, engaging, and share your unique journey.
- Share Your Video
Post your video in the comments of our competition post or send it to us via Facebook Messenger.
What Can You Win?
One lucky winner will receive a Christmas Dog Food Hamper filled with nutritious goodies and festive treats for your furry friend, courtesy of Next Level Dog Food.
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: Thursday 19th December at 18:00
- Winner Announcement: Thursday 19th December at 20:00
- Prize Shipping: Friday 20th December (just in time for Christmas!)
Why Participate in the Recall Challenge?
- Showcase Your Training Journey: Whether your dog’s recall is a work in progress or a polished skill, we want to celebrate your hard work.
- Highlight Dog Safety: Recall is a cornerstone of dog safety, and sharing your progress helps inspire others to train their dogs effectively.
- Spread the Festive Cheer: There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas with your dog than showing off their achievements—and winning a festive hamper!
