The winter holidays are upon us! Christmas and the start of both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are this week, so it’s a perfect time to brush up on safety tips for dog owners when it comes to seasonal celebrations. After all, this festive time of year should be enjoyed by the whole family – fourlegged members included! As our holiday gift to you, Curbicus is here with a handy guide to making the holidays safe for your furry friends and family.

Avoid Canine Tummy Troubles from Festive Foods and Decor

Holiday snacks are one of the highlights of the season, but what may be tasty treats for people can pose mild to severe health risks for pets. For instance, be it baked into cookies or wrapped in gold to look like gelt, chocolate and candy containing the sweetener Xylitol should be kept well out of the reach of dogs – both are highly toxic to pets. Fatty, sweet, salty or spicy foods can be too rich for many pups’ tummies at best, and cause major gastrointestinal problems at worst. Grapes and raisins, such as are used in many New Year’s celebrations, can lead to kidney damage and even failure.

Decorations can also create potential poisoning hazards that can be easily avoided. Owners should make sure that pets cannot access the water base of live Christmas trees, for instance, which can contain additives that are toxic to dogs. Ivy, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia are all nono's, as they can be hazardous – and in some cases, poisonous – if nibbled on. Pet parents should even exercise caution around snow globes, which are made with ethylene glycol; if one gets broken, the chemical can tempt curious pets with its sweet smell, but it is the same ingredient used in anti-freeze and is extremely toxic.

It’s also best to keep pets away from food preparation and waste areas, advise any guests not to give table scraps or human snacks to your dog, and make sure that you have the number of an emergency vet or animal poison control center in case of accidental ingestions. The ASCPA has a 24-hour Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435 (be aware, they may charge a consultation fee).

Practice Safety While Setting the Holiday Mood

Nothing says the holidays like candles or a cozy fire, but caution should always be practiced when pets are around open flames. Whether it's the menorah, kinara, or scented candles that you’re lighting, be sure they are out of the path of curious noses and wagging tails. Fireplaces should be screened off when lit as well. And of course, watch pets carefully around decoration wires and plugs, which can prove tempting chew toys but can cause severe electrocution injuries.

While welcoming guests always makes the holiday bright, be sure to keep an eye out for potential puppy escape artists as doors are opening and closing (and just in case, check that your dog’s microchip and ID information is up to date). If pets are stressed or overly excited by the holiday celebrations, be sure to give them a safe, quiet indoor space to escape the noise and activity.

Plan Ahead for Travel with Canine Companions

If you’re planning on bringing Fido to another home for the holidays, a little preparation can make the trip safer for everyone. Dogs should always be restrained in cars via a carrier, crate, or safety harness to prevent distracted or impaired driving. They should also be kept well clear of any area in the vehicle where airbags deploy – these safety features can be a lifesaver for humans but deadly for dogs. In addition to updated microchip and ID information, consider bringing along a physical or digital copy of your pet’s vaccination records in case of trips to the emergency vet. Lastly, it is never safe to leave your dog unattended in a car, so plan for pit stops that are dog-friendly.

The holidays are a time to be together with the ones you love – of course, we mean our fluffy, four-legged pals. Everyone here at Curbicus wishes you and yours a very happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!

Written by Cara Broel

Curbicus is a revolutionary, mess-free product that allows pet owners to quickly clean up after their animals. Have a question? Reach out to the team today to learn more.