As we are approaching the winter holidays, it is easy to get caught up with preparations for celebrations with the ones we love. During the days leading up to the festivities, little to no time is set aside for relaxation with our furbabies. In fact, some pet owners forget to give their pups the attention they need, and the safety of our dogs is easily overlooked amidst the holiday stress.
With the loud noises and excitement that often come with holidays, owners must not forget about what measures need to be taken to ensure the emotional stress that their pups experience is reduced. Since most dogs go missing during the holiday season, the Pets a Go Go team is sharing our top four safety tips.
Create a safe space. It is important to keep in mind that our dogs need access to comfort in order to feel safe when desired. This could be in the form of a quiet space, such as a different room or a crate away from the noise, where your pet can relax when overwhelmed.
Prepare your guests. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, tell your family and friends about your dog’s personality, so they know what to expect. It is also important to discuss whether or not visitors will be bringing their own furbabies. If your pup is not comfortable with the extra stress that can come with introducing other pets, kindly decline their request. If your pet is overly sensitive to houseguests, speak with your veterinarian to discuss potential solutions.
Pay attention to when doors are being used. Keep a close eye on the exits of your home, as dogs can quickly slip out as people enter and exit the home. If you have traveled to someone else’s house with your pet, they might lose their bearings in unfamiliar places and not find their way back. Once again, ensure your pet has access to a safe place, and keep them leashed while outside to avoid such incidents. Around New Year’s Eve, keep your pup inside as much as possible, as animals tend to be fearful of fireworks.
Be an educated decorator. When it comes to decorations, dogs get excited when exposed to new surroundings, such as Christmas trees, logs, plants, décor, and lights. However, many of these are not pet-safe. Pine needles, which are very common during the winter holidays, can get trapped in the intestinal tract and cause an abdominal blockage. In addition, your Christmas tree’s water base may contain toxic chemicals unsafe for your dog. Try to avoid adding chemicals to your water. As for fireplace logs, these may be covered in paraffin and sawdust, which can cause harm to your pet. You, therefore, want to ensure your pet isn’t ingesting such material.
When decorating with plants, consider faux plants as a replacement for fresh mistletoes, poinsettias, holly, and roses, all of which are extremely harmful to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal issues. As for candles, they should never be left unattended, especially with dogs in the household.
There are multiple safety measures we must take as we prepare for the holidays. While it might seem extensive to some, it is highly imperative that we take necessary actions to ensure our furbabies are safe and comfortable throughout the entire season!
If you are looking for a safe place for your furbaby to enjoy the holidays and play with other dogs, learn more about Pets a Go Go’s doggie daycare options HERE.