Holiday Safety Tips for Your Dog: How to Keep Your Pup Safe This Season
The holiday season is full of excitement — decorations, family gatherings, special meals, and travel. But while it’s fun for us, it can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous for dogs.
Here are the most important holiday dog safety tips to help keep your pup healthy, calm, and comfortable all season long.
1. Holiday Foods Dogs Should Avoid
The #1 emergency vet visit during the holidays is food-related. Many festive foods are toxic or can cause stomach upset.
Foods to keep away from your dog:
Chocolate, candy, and baked goods (especially those with xylitol)
Turkey or ham bones
Stuffing with onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins
Raw dough
Alcohol
Fatty foods like gravy, skin, butter, or pan drippings (can trigger pancreatitis)
Safety tip:
Create a rule for guests: no feeding the dog. Offer dog-safe treats instead and use gates/crates during big meals.
2. Cold Weather Safety for Dogs
Winter hits fast, and dogs can get cold quicker than people realize.
Keep your dog warm by:
Using a coat or sweater on cold days, especially for small breeds, seniors, or short-haired dogs
Watching for paw lifting, licking, or shaking — early signs of cold paws
Wiping paws after walks to remove salt and ice-melt chemicals
Avoiding long exposure on icy or windy days
Keeping your dog comfortable in winter helps prevent injury and stress.
3. Create a Safe Space During Holiday Gatherings
Guests, noise, and commotion can overwhelm even the friendliest dogs.
Set up a calm retreat area with:
A crate or quiet room
Their bed or blanket
A chew or frozen lick mat
Calming music
This reduces stress, prevents accidents at the door, and keeps your dog from sneaking unsafe foods.
4. Dog-Safe Holiday Decorations
Many popular holiday decorations can be risky for dogs.
Watch out for:
Tinsel (dangerous if swallowed)
Fragile glass ornaments
Dangling wires and lights
Candles
Christmas tree water (can contain fertilizers or bacteria)
Pro tip: If you have a curious dog, block access to the tree or place it in a gated area.
5. Toxic Holiday Plants for Dogs
Some seasonal plants are mildly or severely toxic:
Mistletoe
Holly
Poinsettias
Lilies (especially dangerous if you also have cats)
If your dog is a plant sniffer or chewer, choose artificial alternatives.
6. Keep Your Dog’s Routine Consistent
Dogs thrive on structure, and the holidays tend to disrupt it.
Try to keep:
Walks around the same time
Mealtimes consistent
Enrichment or training sessions part of the day
Rest time protected
Maintaining your dog’s routine helps prevent anxiety, hyperactivity, and overstimulation.
7. Dog Travel Tips for the Holidays
If you’re hitting the road or taking a trip, plan ahead for your dog’s comfort and safety.
Travel preparation checklist:
Updated ID tags and microchip info
Familiar food, treats, and toys
Medications
Car-safe restraints (harness, crate, or seat belt)
Calming supplements if needed
A bathroom schedule your dog can stick to
If your pup is boarding with us at Grace K9 while you travel, rest assured they’re in good hands.
8. Set Boundaries With Guests
Not everyone understands dog body language, and some dogs aren’t comfortable with strangers.
It’s completely okay to say:
“Please don’t give them food.”
“They’re nervous, so let’s skip greetings right now.”
“They need some space.”
Advocating for your dog prevents stress and keeps them safe.
Keep the Holidays Safe and Stress-Free for Your Dog
With a little planning, you can enjoy the holiday season without putting your dog at risk. Monitoring food, managing the environment, and keeping routines stable will go a long way in making this time of year fun for everyone — including your pup.
If you need help with training, structured daycare, or boarding during the holidays, the Grace K9 team is here to support you.
