Creating a Safe & Happy Holiday Home for Your Pup
Twinkling lights, ornaments, and holiday treats can feel magical — but for your dog, the holidays can come with surprises, temptations, and stress. With a little planning, you can keep the season joyful and safe for everyone (including the four-legged family members!).
Welcome to week 3 of our Happy Holidays series!
Decoration Dangers: What to Watch Out For
Holiday décor looks beautiful, but some items can pose real risks for curious noses.
🎄 Tree Water
Tree preservative mixes can contain fertilizers or additives that cause stomach upset. Even plain stagnant water can lead to bacterial issues.
Solution: Cover the base with a secure tree skirt or use a covered water reservoir.
🧴 Fragile Ornaments
Glass, ceramic, or salt-dough ornaments can break or be tempting to chew.
Solution: Place fragile or sentimental ornaments higher on the tree and use plastic or fabric ornaments on the lower branches.
🕯️ Candles
Open flames + happy, wagging tails = disaster waiting to happen.
Solution: Switch to battery-operated, flameless candles for ambiance without risk.
✨ Lights & Cords
Chewing cords can lead to burns or electrical shock.
Solution: Secure cords with covers, tape them down, or use pet-safe cord protectors.
Food Hazards: Holiday Treats That Aren’t For Dogs
Holiday tables are full of foods that smell amazing to your dog but can be dangerous.
- Chocolate – Highly toxic even in small amounts.
- Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure.
- Xylitol – Found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and some candies.
- Unattended Snacks – Charcuterie boards, garbage bags, and dropped appetizers are prime dog targets.
Tip: Create a “no-dog zone” around the kitchen or buffet table during gatherings and remind guests not to feed your dog (even if they give puppy eyes).
Boundary Training: Protect the Decor & the Dog
Setting boundaries ahead of time helps prevent holiday chaos.
Teach “Leave It” & “Off”
Great for ornaments, stockings, presents, and tasty-smelling items under the tree.
Use Physical Boundaries When Needed
- Exercise pens around the tree
- Baby gates during parties
- Designated “cozy corner” away from foot traffic
Practice Early
Don’t wait until the tree is fully decorated — build the boundary before the temptation arrives.
Stress Signals: Know the Subtle Cues
Even well-adjusted dogs can feel overwhelmed by holiday noise, guests, smells, and schedule changes.
Watch for:
- Lip licking
- Yawning (when not tired)
- Turning away
- Pacing
- Avoidance or hiding
- Sudden clinginess
- Stiff body posture
These early signals tell you your dog needs space before stress escalates into barking, jumping, or guarding.
Create a quiet retreat: a crate, spare room, or comfy bed with a chew to help your dog decompress.
Create a dog-friendly holiday home this season!
Need personalized help?
Schedule a consult for expert guidance on training boundaries, reducing stress, and keeping your dog safe through the holidays.
Already ready for the Holdiays? Head over to our FB page and show us your pup’s safe space setup by tagging us on social media — we love seeing your holiday-ready dogs!