Holiday Safety Series: Christmas

Photo: @thatgoldendog

The big day is almost here, which means it’s the perfect time to think about putting your pooch first. Per usual, Sidewalk Dog is one snowy paw print ahead of you with our top safety recommendations for keepin’ your little party pup happy and healthy. Read on.

CHRISTMAS DOG SAFETY

Decorate Deliberately
When you’re decking the halls, there’s a myriad of mischief your canine can get into with tinsel and twinkle lights. From nibbling the nativity scene to gobbling up toxic mistletoe, your dog can put a damper on your inner interior decorator. Remember: Cover those electrical cords, take care with candles, and keep decorations out of reach.

Mind the Mistletoe
Watch your dog’s wandering nose around holiday plants like mistletoe, lilies, Christmas roses, and holly. (Play it safe with some poinsettias. Unless your sneaky Sadie eats the entire plant, she should be A-OK.) If your curious canine ingests off-limits flora (jiminy Christmas!), ring up the Pet Poison Helpline, open 24/7.

Take Care with the Tree
Avoid Christmas calamity by displaying your tree in a corner, affixed to the wall. Hang ornaments out of reach. If your best bud just can’t help himself, tin foil around the base of the tree is a great deterrent.

Give ’Em Some Space
Maybe you’re throwin’ the holliest, jolliest blowout of the year or just celebrating with close friends and fam. Either way, the big question is: Where does Fido fit into the festivities? We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: know thy dog. If the sights, sounds, and smells of the season might overwhelm, set aside a special room specifically for your pooch, decked out with her creature comforts. Bonus points for wearin’ Sadie out with physical activity before the big event starts.

Prep the Guests
If Rover’s comfortable roamin’ during holiday gatherings, prepare your guests for the potential pup dangers: over-excitement, getting into food, destroying decorations — the list goes on. And remind them that hooman food is a no-go. (A sick pooch is a real mood killer.)

Hide the Loot
While no puppy parent wants to be a Scrooge, hide the gifts until Christmas morning. The temptation of tearing into presents could be too much for your holiday hound to handle. And keep Timmy’s toy train and Nana’s new Nook tucked away in a pet-free zone.

Have a Plan
With all the dancing and prancing of dogs and their humans, a quick escape out the door is an all-too-real possibility. Ensure your pup is microchipped and licensed (if you live in Minneapolis or St. Paul, snag yours through Sidewalk Dog through Dec. 31 and get rewarded!). And, of course, get on the horn with neighbors, friends, and the local shelter if the great escape happens.

Happy holidays, party animals!

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