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The holiday season brings family, food, and festivities, but for your pup, it can also bring new sights, sounds, and potential dangers. From a bustling Thanksgiving kitchen to a glittering Christmas tree or the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, keeping your dog safe takes some planning. With a few smart precautions and the right tools, you can make sure your furry family member enjoys the holidays just as much as you do.
Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe Over the Holidays
1. Create Safe Spaces and Boundaries
Between visiting guests, open doors, and busy kitchens, your dog’s environment can quickly become overwhelming. Designate a quiet, comfortable area where your pup can relax when things get hectic.
A sturdy dog gate or playpen can help keep your pup contained when the front door is opening frequently for guests or deliveries. If your dog tends to dash outside, consider adding a door alarm or motion sensor to alert you before they sneak out.
When traveling or hosting, maintain a consistent routine for meals, walks, and bedtime. Dogs thrive on predictability, even amid holiday chaos.
Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate
Keep curious noses out of the kitchen with this easy-to-install walk-through gate that fits wide spaces and keeps pups safely contained. Whether you’re juggling casseroles or welcoming guests, you’ll love how it prevents accidental food raids or underfoot mishaps. The sturdy metal frame and simple latch make it effortless for you to move through while blocking off danger zones. It’s the perfect solution for peace of mind and safer holiday hosting.
FXW Rollick Unleashed Dog Playpen for Indoor
Give your pup space to play while keeping your home calm and chaos-free. This sturdy indoor playpen creates a secure spot where your dog can relax, nap, or chew a toy without wandering into holiday hazards. Easy to assemble and move, it lets you keep your furry friend nearby without tripping over paws during party prep. It’s a stress-free way to protect your pup from dropped food, open doors, and other seasonal surprises.
SanJie Wireless Door Chime Sensor
Know exactly when guests arrive or when your sneaky pup makes a break for it. This wireless door chime alerts you instantly to open doors, helping you keep pets safely indoors while greeting family or delivering pumpkin pie. It’s a simple, smart layer of safety that saves you from holiday panic. The adjustable volume and easy setup make it perfect for busy households filled with visitors, wagging tails, and extra excitement.
2. Manage Food and Treat Temptations
The aroma of a holiday feast is almost impossible for a dog to resist, but many festive dishes can be harmful—think onions, garlic, chocolate, or fatty meats. Keep food safely out of reach and remind guests not to slip your pup any “people food” under the table.
Instead, prepare or offer holiday-themed dog treats. This way, your dog feels included in the celebration without risking an upset stomach or worse. You can also keep your pup entertained while you eat with a puzzle toy or treat-dispensing ball, which provides mental stimulation and helps prevent begging at the table.
Smart Cookie Muttstletoe Holiday Dog Treats
Made with real ingredients and seasonal flair, these festive treats bring dogs into the holiday spirit without the junk. Each bite is packed with natural goodness, so you can indulge your pup while feeling good about what’s inside. Their limited ingredients are perfect for sensitive tummies, keeping tails wagging all season long. Safe, wholesome snacks like these help prevent begging at the holiday table and keep pups happy, occupied, and out of mischief.
Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie it’s a dog’s digestive dream! These small-batch, human-grade treats from Portland Pet Food Company deliver healthy, tasty bites made from real pumpkin and simple ingredients. Perfect for sensitive dogs or picky eaters, they’re easy to digest and packed with fall flavor. Treating your pup to these helps curb begging during the big meal and supports a happy belly throughout the busy, treat-filled holiday season.
Beloved Pets Dog Treats Sweet Potato Wrapped with Chicken
When your dog deserves something truly special, this sweet potato and chicken combo delivers the perfect chewy, protein-rich snack. Made with real ingredients, it’s a satisfying way to keep your dog entertained while guests arrive or food cooks. These treats encourage slow chewing, helping calm anxious pups and preventing them from snatching unsafe holiday snacks. It’s a delicious way to celebrate together while keeping your furry friend healthy and content.
Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy
Keep your pup’s brain busy while you cook, wrap, or entertain. The Potaroma Puzzle Toy challenges dogs to think and sniff their way to tasty rewards, turning snack time into playtime. It helps reduce anxiety, boredom, and underfoot “helping” during busy gatherings. By focusing your dog’s energy in a safe, enriching way, you’ll prevent counter surfing, table begging, and other festive mischief that can make the holidays hectic.
Dog Treat Ball
This treat-dispensing ball keeps your pup happily rolling, pawing, and nibbling for hours. Fill it with favorite snacks to turn downtime into a fun challenge. It’s a great way to tire out high-energy dogs without adding stress to your holiday routine. Plus, it distracts curious canines from dangerous dropped foods and busy kitchen spaces. It’s entertainment, mental exercise, and safety rolled into one fun, wobbly sphere.
Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball
Add a little strategy to snack time with this adjustable treat-dispensing ball that rewards persistence and play. You control how easy or tricky it is, keeping your dog entertained and engaged while you focus on hosting. It’s the perfect distraction from holiday temptations like turkey bones or unattended desserts. Safe play equals fewer accidents, and this smart toy helps your dog enjoy the season without stress or sneaking into the trash.
RELATED: Best Dog Puzzle Toys For Mental Stimulation
3. Decorate with Your Dog in Mind
Holiday decorations add sparkle to your home, but they can pose hidden risks. Tinsel, ornaments, and candles are all tempting targets for curious noses. Keep fragile or small decorations out of reach, and secure your tree or centerpiece to prevent accidents.
If your dog can’t resist the allure of a glittering tree, use a pet-safe fence to establish boundaries. A pet camera near the tree or fireplace can help you keep an eye on everything, too. Twinkling lights are beautiful, but keep electrical cords tucked away or protected to prevent chewing hazards.
Wooden Christmas Tree Fence
This charming wooden fence keeps dogs from toppling your Christmas tree while adding rustic style to your décor. It creates a gentle barrier between wagging tails and delicate ornaments, preventing accidents before they happen. Perfect for curious pups, it maintains your festive setup without sacrificing safety or aesthetics. Think of it as peace of mind wrapped in pine because a protected tree means a calmer home and a stress-free holiday season.
Furbo Mini Pet Camera
Stay connected to your pup even when you’re busy basting the turkey or out visiting family. The Furbo Mini lets you see, talk to, and comfort your dog from your phone. Two-way audio and live video help prevent anxiety, barking, or destructive behavior while you’re away. Knowing your dog is safe brings peace of mind during the holiday rush. It’s like having a virtual sitter watching over your furry family member.
4. Reduce Stress and Overstimulation
Between guests, travel, and fireworks, the holidays can overwhelm even the most social dogs. Provide your pup with a calm retreat, complete with a cozy bed, familiar toys, and soothing background music.
For anxious dogs, consider calming treats or wearable anxiety wraps. And if your dog tends to jump on guests in excitement or sniff out snacks where they shouldn’t, training programs like Spirit Dog Training’s House Manners Class can help build better manners before the festivities begin. Routine exercise also helps release pent-up energy and reduce stress, so try to stick to your regular walk schedule, even on busy days and nights.
Zesty Paws Vet Strength Calming Chews for Dogs
The holidays can be loud and unpredictable, but these vet-strength calming chews help your pup stay relaxed and happy. Made with soothing ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile, they ease stress from guests, fireworks, or travel. Dog parents love that their pups stay calm without feeling drowsy. A peaceful dog means fewer accidents and less chaos during celebrations, creating a safer, more serene holiday for everyone.
ThunderShirt for Dogs
When things get noisy or hectic, the ThunderShirt works its gentle magic. Its snug fit helps reduce anxiety from fireworks, guests, or travel by applying soft, calming pressure. Dogs feel safe, secure, and more relaxed, which means fewer escape attempts or panicked runs through crowded rooms. For dog parents, it’s peace of mind in wearable form, keeping pups safe, soothed, and happily part of the festivities.
Spirit Dog Training
The best holiday gift for your dog might just be better behavior. Spirit Dog Training offers online courses that teach you how to bring out the best in your pup with positive, practical lessons. Perfect for busy families, it builds confidence and obedience while strengthening your bond. A well-trained dog is a safer dog, especially during hectic gatherings filled with open doors and tempting foods. Training today means calmer holidays ahead.
5. Stay Prepared for Unexpected Escapes
With guests coming and going, it’s easy for a pup to slip out unnoticed. Always make sure your dog is wearing up-to-date ID tags and is microchipped. A GPS tracking collar can be a lifesaver if your pup gets lost during a busy holiday gathering or fireworks display.
If you’re traveling, secure your dog in a car harness or travel crate and pack familiar items to help them feel comfortable on the road.
Halo Collar 4
Give your dog freedom and safety with the Halo Collar 4, a smart, GPS-powered system that creates virtual boundaries without traditional fencing. Track your pup’s location and get instant alerts if they wander too far. It’s especially handy when guests come and doors swing open more than usual. Reliable protection and peace of mind mean you can focus on family and feasting instead of frantic searching.
Apple AirTag
Attach an AirTag to your dog’s collar, and you’ll never have to worry about where they’ve wandered. Paired with your iPhone, it helps you track your pup quickly if they slip out during holiday chaos. It’s an affordable, tech-savvy way to boost pet safety, especially when visitors or deliveries distract you. The AirTag adds confidence to your celebrations, knowing your furry friend is always easy to find.
SlowTon Dog Seat Belt Harness for Car
Keep road trips safe and comfortable with this secure, adjustable harness. It clips easily into your car’s seat belt, preventing your pup from roaming or being thrown forward during sudden stops. Soft padding and breathable fabric keep dogs calm on the way to family gatherings. By reducing distractions and risk, it keeps both driver and dog safe, making every holiday trip smoother and stress-free.
Portable Dog Crate
Your dog’s safe space goes wherever you do with this lightweight, collapsible crate. It sets up quickly for travel or holiday stays, giving pups a cozy den to retreat to when things get loud. Sturdy mesh sides provide airflow and visibility, keeping dogs calm and secure. A familiar crate keeps them from bolting through open doors or chewing in unfamiliar spaces, ensuring safety and peace for all.
BAGLHER Dog Travel Bag
This travel bag keeps all your dog’s essentials organized and easy to grab—perfect for road trips, family visits, or overnight stays. With compartments for food, toys, leashes, and treats, you’ll always have what you need. The sturdy, stylish design makes packing for your pup feel effortless. Keeping your dog’s supplies organized helps prevent lost gear, missed meals, or unsafe improvisation during the busy holiday season.
RELATED: Essential Items For Your Dog Road Trips
6. Safe Ways to Include Your Pup in the Celebration
You don’t have to exclude your dog from the fun, just make sure their participation is safe. Plan a special treat time during your own meal, such as serving their favorite chew or a festive, dog-friendly snack. Engage them with interactive play after dinner using a new toy or enrichment activity. This keeps their attention positive and helps them burn off energy in a healthy way.
Cheerble Smart Interactive Dog Toy, Wicked Ball AIR
This self-rolling toy keeps your dog entertained while you handle holiday prep. It bounces, spins, and reacts to your pup’s touch, encouraging safe, independent play. Perfect for high-energy dogs, it prevents boredom and chewing disasters when guests arrive. With no cords or supervision needed, it’s a worry-free way to keep your pup active, happy, and out of holiday trouble zones.
Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick
Fetch gets an upgrade with this durable, lightweight stick made for big throws and endless fun. It’s safer than real sticks that can splinter or injure your dog’s mouth. Perfect for outdoor play before or after big meals, it helps burn energy and reduce indoor zoomies. A well-exercised pup is calmer around guests, making your home safer and your celebrations smoother.
Feeko Heavy Duty Dog Rope Toys
Built for serious tug-of-war, these heavy-duty rope toys stand up to enthusiastic chewers while promoting dental health. They’re great for interactive play or solo gnawing when you’re busy entertaining. Chewing safely on these ropes keeps dogs out of danger by steering them away from risky holiday items like cords or decorations. It’s fun, bonding, and safety all wrapped up in one tough, tail-wagging package.
The Most Wonderful (and Chaotic) Time of the Year
The holidays are a time for joy, gratitude, and connection and your pup deserves to be part of it all. By staying mindful of food hazards, managing stress, and setting clear boundaries, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe, happy, and relaxed throughout the season. With the right mix of training, attention, and pet safety products, you’ll both make memories that sparkle brighter than any holiday lights.
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