Keeping Your Dog Happy (and Out of Trouble) This Season

Keeping Your Dog Happy (and Out of Trouble) This Season

The holidays are busy, exciting, and full of good food. But while we’re celebrating, our dogs don’t always understand what’s going on. Extra guests, new smells, decorations, and schedule changes can all lead to small accidents or big problems if we’re not careful.

Here’s a friendly, no-stress guide to keeping your dog safe and comfortable during the holiday season.

Holiday Foods Aren’t Always Dog Friendly

It’s tempting to share a little holiday cheer from the table, but many festive foods can be dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, fatty meats, cooked bones, and anything with artificial sweeteners are all off limits. Even a small bite can cause stomach issues or worse.

A good rule of thumb: if it’s on your plate, it probably shouldn’t be in your dog’s bowl. Stick with dog safe treats and make sure guests know the same.

Decorations Can Look Like Toys

To a dog, tinsel, ornaments, ribbons, and wrapping paper can look a lot like chew toys. Unfortunately, swallowing these items can lead to choking or trips to the vet. Cords from lights and decorations can also be tempting for curious chewers.

Keep decorations out of reach when possible, secure cords, and keep an extra eye on puppies or playful dogs around the tree and gifts.

All the Excitement Can Be Stressful

Holiday gatherings mean noise, visitors, and changes to your normal routine and that can be a lot for some dogs. If your pup starts pacing, hiding, licking excessively, or skipping meals, they might be feeling overwhelmed.

Giving your dog a quiet spot to relax, keeping walks and meals on schedule, and offering familiar toys or calming treats can help them feel more at ease.

Winter Weather Needs Extra Care

Cold weather brings its own set of challenges. Ice, snow, and salt can irritate your dog’s paws and skin. After walks, wipe down their paws and belly to remove salt and moisture, and limit time outside when temperatures drop too low.

A little extra care goes a long way in keeping winter walks safe and comfortable.

Stick to What Your Dog Knows

Between travel, guests, and busy days, routines can slip. Dogs feel their best when things stay predictable. Sudden changes in food or feeding times can upset their stomach and throw them off.

Keeping meals, walks, and daily habits as normal as possible helps your dog feel calm and secure during the holiday rush.

Enjoy the Holidays Together ❤️

With a bit of awareness and planning, the holidays can be fun for everyone - including your dog. Keeping unsafe foods out of reach, watching decorations, and paying attention to your dog’s comfort can help you avoid unnecessary stress and vet visits.

For healthy treats, everyday essentials, and trusted pet products to support your dog all season long, check out Barkaroo.com. We’re here to help make pet care easy, safe, and worry-free.