Holiday Serenity - Safety Tips for Dogs

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The Winter Holiday's are almost here and between all the gift wrapping, food prepping and time with family keeping your sensitive pup safe, regulated and happy can sometimes become an afterthought. But never fear - I have your back! 

The holidays bring sparkle, excitement, rich smells, new visitors — and for our dogs, all of that can feel like a lot. Between tempting foods, loud chatter (or singing), relaxed routines, and glittering decorations, it’s completely normal for dogs (especially our sensitive ones) to become overwhelmed.

So, without further delay, here’s how to keep your canine companions safe, steady, and comfortable through the festive season.

Holiday Foods to Avoid

Food glorious food! Who isn't thinking about food at any given time? Especially now. With family gatherings come food both savory and sweet that are unsafe for dogs. 

Toxic foods for dogs:

• Alcohol (including creamy liqueurs)
  
• Chocolate
• Christmas Pudding (including Mince Pies)
• Cooked Bones
• Grapes & raisins (including fruitcake)
  
• Macadamia nuts
• Onions (including garlic, leeks, shallots and chives)
  
• Rich, fatty meats (can cause pancreatitis)
• Stuffing 
• Xylitol (in sweets/candies and baked goods)

In addition it's a good rule to avoid leftovers, especially heavily seasoned, salty or mouldy. These things listed are all toxic to dogs and can cause serious damage and illness, even in small amounts.

To be safe, if you are unsure if your dog can have it - don't give them any!

Holiday Foods that are safe

Well that was quite the list of forbidden foods, so here are some nice, safe snacks your dog can enjoy.

Safe foods for dogs:

• Boiled Potatoes (AKA New Potatoes)
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Carrots
• Dollops of plain pumpkin
• Green Beans
• Lamb Meat (no bones)
• Mash Potatoes (preferably no added butter)
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Salmon (preferably fillets or cooked in spring water instead of smoked)
• Swede
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turkey (plain, no bones, skin or seasoning)

You could also make this an extra special time for your dog by making them a mini dog safe roast dinner or a holiday-themed lick mat (using things like pumpkin, yoghurt, kibble, a drizzle of salmon broth)

Decorations, Trees & Festive Hazards

Holiday décor can be appealing, it's shiny, colourful and often looks like toys that our pets are used to playing with!

Some Rules to follow:

• Always supervise your dog.

Supervising your dog can prevent a lot of trouble and heartache. Don't leave gifts within reach or unattended if your dog is the curious type. Take special care around decorations. For instance, the following decorations can be hazardous.

• Candles - opt for flameless when possible.
• Glass ornaments - can shatter if batted or knocked down.
  
• Tinsel & ribbon - dangerous if swallowed.
• Tree needles - can cause mouth irritation or tummy upset.
• Snow globes - some contain antifreeze — keep far out of reach.

Be sure to keep any electrical cords for fairy lights tucked away or use cord protectors. That thought leads me to Trees.

Tree specific tips

The most common types of Christmas trees including pine, fir and spruce are not highly toxic to dogs. However, the oils they produce and pine needles that drop from the tree can pose a risk. How I hear you ask! Well, not only can the sharp pine needles get stuck in your dog’s paws, they can cause mild stomach upset or even a blockage if eaten. 

Make sure you:

• Secure the tree so it can’t tip.
• Avoid edible ornaments.
• Clean up fallen needles.

• Cover tree water (it can contain preservatives).

Christmas time can also bring a higher risk with poisonous plants. Toxic plants for dogs include:

• Holly
• Ivy
• Mistletoe
• Poinsettia
• Potpourri

If you make wise decisions in advance, prioritize your dog and keep harmful things away, you can have a great, less stressful holiday!

Guests & Routine Changes

As we all know, the holidays often mean more noise, along with potentially unfamiliar faces, and disrupted routines — all of which can be overwhelming for dogs, especially sensitive or shy pups.

You can help your dog feel safe by:

• Create a safe space - A room set up just for your dog, or even a quieter corner with a cozy bed, soft blankets, toys, and water is a wonderful place for them to retreat when things are too much.

• Give them a long-lasting chew - This can help them focus on something nice while regulating their emotions and aiding self-soothing.

• Let them opt-out of greeting - Not every dog wants holiday hugs, and that’s okay. If they don't want to greet anyone, let them have space. Your home is your dog's home, your guests are your guests - they are visiting temporarily... so make sure your dog feels safe in their home.

• Pre-party sniffari walk - Ideally it should be a long, slow walk to really fill up their cup, but even 5–10 minutes signals safety and can help reduce arousal.

• Use baby gates - Using baby gates can help your dog stay safe. It prevents them from accessing dangerous things, while also allowing them to observe without being overloaded.

Stress-Lowering Enrichment for the Season

Guests and noise can be a lot, if your dog is struggling (or if you want to help prevent overwhelm) these activities can help your dog stay regulated amidst all the hustle and bustle:

• Calm music or white noise

• Frozen Kongs / Toppls

• Scatter feeding

• Scent games with holiday themes (find the “gift” box!)

• Short, choice-driven walks

• Snuffle mats

Calming activities like this are great for decompression and emotional recovery.

A S.E.R.E.N.E.™ Reminder for the Holidays

Sensitive doesn’t mean misbehaving. Every day our dogs have to navigate a world that is not built for them. Your dog reacting to things that are new is normal, after all, they are trying to navigate a world full of big sensory experiences.

Holiday overstimulation is very real. If your dog is extra clingy, jumpy, barky, or just plain restless this season, they’re not “being bad”, they aren't being demanding. They are overwhelmed and asking for support.

For a great guide to S.E.R.E.N.E.™ this holiday season remember:

S – Safety first. Meet your dogs needs, provide a quiet place for them, support them.

E – Empathy always. Put yourself in your dogs paws, would you have fun if you were them?

R – Regulation is key. Provide decompression exercises, give them plenty of breaks.

E – Encourage Exploration. Let your dog explore if they feel comfortable, go at their pace.

N – Nurture with love. Praise, Pets, Treats, Comfort, these are all great ways to support your dog.

E – Empower through choice. Don't force your dog into situations, give them agency and choice.

Seeking Help

If your dog:

• Eats something toxic

• Shows signs of GI upset

• Gets injured

Contact your Vet. They may have differing hours over the holiday so make sure you have reliable first aid on hand, and up to date information on the closest available vet. 

If your dog is:

• Panicking around guests

• Displays aggressive or escalating fear responses

• Is acting out of sorts but is physically well

Contact your trainer/behaviour specialist. If you don't have a Trainer or Professional to contact, make sure you enquire about a qualified force free or ethical trainer at your earliest convenience. 

Did you know? 

Blackwing Farms sells natural flower remedies formulated for animals. Using these can help your pets navigate the holiday season (as well as normal life after!) Shop here.  Don't forget to use my discount code: UltiMutt10

Stay Safe and Serene this Winter Season!