As you get excited about the upcoming holidays, it's important to remember your dog's needs. Holiday decorations, treats, and changes to their normal routine can all be potentially harmful to them if you don't take precautions. Whether your dog is an older pooch or you’re raising a puppy, keep these safety tips in mind as you spread holiday cheer.

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holidays

1. Decorate With Dogs in Mind

Decorations make your home look and feel festive, but some can be harmful to dogs, especially when ingested. To protect them from injury:

• Avoid decorating with real mistletoe or holly, which can make your pet sick. Use silk or plastic versions instead.
• Avoid using decorations made from edible materials. For example, salt dough ornaments may be irresistible to curious puppies. 
• Be careful about hanging breakable ornaments, and clean up any accidents quickly so your dog doesn’t step on or ingest shards of glass. 
• Secure the tree to the wall so it won’t be accidentally knocked over.

2. Take Care With Lights

When hanging lights, secure all wires and cords so they’re out of reach. Not only can your dog become tangled in wires, potentially pulling down the tree, but cords can also be tempting chew toys, especially for puppies. Breaking the insulation can result in a major electrical shock.

3. Keep Chocolate Out of Reach

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and ingesting too much will cause severe illness or even death. How sick your dog gets depends on how much and what type of chocolate they eat. Dark and baking chocolate are more toxic than milk or white, for instance, but it’s best to keep all types away from your dog. 

4. Use Caution With Table Scraps

Avoid giving your dog table scraps, which can make them sick and lead to weight gain. If you can’t resist offering a holiday treat, stick to unseasoned meat or vegetables. But avoid feeding your dog turkey, as it can cause pancreatitis, and they may accidentally ingest small bones.

5. Prepare a Quiet Place

Pets can easily become overwhelmed when your home is full of visitors. Set your pups up in a quiet place where they can escape all of the activity. Also, remind guests to keep watch at the door to prevent your dog from getting out without supervision. 

If you’re looking for healthy, dog-safe treats for the holiday season, head to The Pet Hale in Mililani, HI. This locally owned pet store has 3,400 square feet full of quality pet supplies. They’ll help you find the perfect crates, chew toys, and other necessities to keep your dog healthy and safe through the holidays and beyond. Learn more about their products by visiting their website or calling (808) 696-1083 today.