Cheers to a Safer Merry Woofmas!
Christmas is a beautiful time of the year when the whole family gathers around to celebrate the holy season of conviction and love. This has been when you invite your pets to join you as a family in making memories and bonding together. To keep your pet safe you must follow an attentive practice when checking on them and hanging up decorations!
Our pet dogs are quite playful and would enjoy running around in between hanging stockings and baking cookies. They would love to wrap themselves in colourful Christmas lights and play with Christmas balls whenever they get the chance. Our pet dogs would love to follow trails of aromatic dishes which may lead them to the hot kitchen where risk is associated almost everywhere! As dog owners, it is your responsibility to ensure that your canine pal is safe from the possibility of risk.
At Petbites Australia, we suggest that the whole day season can be both joyful and safe. Make sure that you keep an eye on your dogs to prevent the risk or danger with decorations, treats or new environments. In the blog, our pet experts have elaborated on the importance of being proactive to keep your pet safe during Christmas festivities. Read along to find out more!
1. Common Holiday Foods and Dog Safety
Dogs love to nibble on whatever they get. Whether it is safe or not, it is up to us to choose for them. The holiday season is the time for families to get together to rejoice over a beautiful dish. Do not forget to include your pets when preparing meals. Make sure that you have a separate dish or a meal for them. Choose between dog safe ingredients, avoiding items like chocolate, grapes, onions, and cooked bones. Explore safer snack alternatives to share with your dogs during holiday meals or parties.
2. Decorations That Pose a Risk
Although Christmas is all about decoration and food, we suggest that you limit your Christmas decorations to safe options that would reduce any hazardous risks with your little dog. Your dog may be intrigued by string lights, colourful tinsel, small Christmas ornaments and so on, attracting them to chew or ingest Christmas decorations. Therefore as responsible dog owners, we suggest that you create a dog friendly space for your loving canine pal during the festive period. If you are a heavy decorator during Christmas, we suggest that you decorate at a certain level where your dog cannot reach your decorations. Using dog fences to prevent little puppies from jumping into the Christmas tree is advisable. Secure your tree to avoid any risks with the slightest movement.
3. Electrical Cords and Lighting
Remember not to keep your electrical codes and light strength all around your living room. If you’re hoping to hang string lights, we suggest that you hang them higher from the ground to avoid your dog’s attention. We suggest that you conceal or secure the electric codes to prevent your dog from chewing on them and causing accidental shocks. You can either choose to secure electric codes under a carpet or use battery operated lights as the safer alternative.
4. Hazardous Plants Common during Christmas
Christmas is also associated with certain festive plants. Plants like mistletoe, Holly and Poinsettias can often be found in the living room or around a Christmas house. If you are a responsible pet owner, we suggest that you invest in dog safe plans or artificial options for decoration. This can support your dogs and prevent them from accidentally ingesting toxic plants.
5. Christmas Trees: Safety Precautions for Dogs
Christmas trees are the main component in the house celebrating Christmas! However, if you are investing in a natural Christmas tree, there may be risks associated with your dogs when having pine needles, tree water and ornaments around. It is important that you secure your Christmas tree covering the base water and placing dog safe ornaments in the lower branches. This can create a safe pet zone for your pet dog around the tree avoiding any accidental bumps or bites!
6. Preventing Access to Holiday Candles and Fragrances
As much as we love to decorate our house with candles, the risk associated with a hot burning candle in a home with pets can be quite high. Our pet experts suggest that you use flameless or LED candles as a safer option. Also when opting for scented candles, we suggest that you consider your dog’s health and how essential oils may affect your dog’s respiratory system. Consider scents that are safe for your dog and oils that will not congest their respiration. You can also use scent diffusers instead of candles, with dog safe scents to avoid triggering your dog’s senses.
7. Handling Holiday Stress and Excitement for Dogs
While you may be stressed during Christmas, your dogs may be excited! This can also work vice versa giving you extra reason to pay attention to your dog as well. Christmas can be quite hectic with a change in routines and a lot of guests walking in now and then. This can be quite stressful for some dogs. Therefore, always make it a practice to involve your dogs with your guests. A friendly pat on their head would be quite exciting for them. Make sure you designate a safe space for your dogs to retreat to whenever they feel overwhelmed. Observe signs of anxiety and keep your dog calm.
8. Holiday Guests and Pet Awareness
As much as you love to entertain your guests, we suggest that you also make them aware of your pet’s likes and dislikes. Educate your beloved guests on how to interact with your dog. If your dog is not friendly with the guests you invite, suggest that they take time to interact with your pet. Always keep your identity intact by keeping a collar for your guest read. This can help your pets to avoid any confusion and can be a great way to track them down if they accidentally slip out with guests coming and going!
9. Keeping Wrapped Gifts Dog-Safe
Make sure your gifts are wrapped and placed at a safer distance from your dog. Your dogs would love to unwrap your beautiful gifts playing with ribbons and chew on bows. While this may be intriguing for them, it can also be hazardous and cause a risk. We suggest that you consider minimal ribbons and opt for wrapping safer options. Store your presence out of each until they are officially ready to be opened. This can prevent your dog from the temptation to rip your colourful presents out!
Here Comes Santa Paws!
Christmas is a beautiful season of connection, bonds, laughter and family. However, as you indulge in these beautiful practices do not forget to think of your lovely pet. We suggest that you consider safer methods to indulge in Christmas with your canine pal, emphasising the joy and safety of the holidays. Enjoy each festivity with your dog and make them feel included without giving them stress.
Leave a colourful present for your dog wrapped in beautiful wrappers as the rest of the family unwraps their Christmas presents. Consider safe ingredients and treats for your little pet dog to enjoy with you during Christmas. Make them feel loved and connected, giving them an impression of a memorable Christmas!
You can also choose to give them a beautiful dog hamper or surprise your dog-loving friend with a thoughtful dog hamper from Petbites. We carry a delightful range of dog products from dog toys to dog foods packed into a beautiful hamper making it a presentable Christmas gift choice for your loved ones. Make sure this festive holiday is a dog friendly holiday, creating lasting memories without any preventable accidents.
