Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Paws Are GoodHoliday Safety Tips for Pet Owners: Keep Your Dog Safe, Happy & Stress-Free This Season
The holiday season is finally here and we all love the holiday vibes with twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, family gatherings, and of course… your dog wondering why the house suddenly smells like cinnamon, turkey, and chaos.
For many of us the holidays feel magical. But for our four-legged best friends? December can be overwhelming, overstimulating and sometimes even dangerous. As pet owners we always want the season to be merry, bright, and above all most importantly safe for our dogs.
That’s why we put together this helpful guide filled with holiday safety tips for dogs that we created with love at Paws Are Good. Yes, we are a dog-lover brand built on the belief that dogs are family.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to protect your pup from seasonal hazards, holiday foods, decorations, cold weather dangers, and all those festive surprises our furry friends love sticking their noses into.
Let’s make this the safest, happiest holiday season for your dog yet. 🐶❤️🎄
Rescue Reminder:
For meaningful dog mom Christmas gifts that also support rescue love and celebrate the pups who’ve changed our lives, explore our holiday collection made especially for compassionate dog moms.
A Quick Brand Story: Why Paws Are Good Cares About Dog Safety
Paws Are Good started the same way many great dog moments begin with a wagging tail and a deep love for the bond between humans and their pups.
We’re not just a dog-lover apparel brand but in real world we are a community built around kindness, rescue support, dog advocacy, and the belief that every pup deserves a safe, happy life.
That’s why safety matters to us.
That’s why education matters to us.
And that’s why our mission is to create content, products, and tips that help dog parents protect their pets year-round.
So as you dive into these holiday safety tips for pet owners, know they come from real dog parents who understand the joy and responsibility of having a furry family member during the busiest time of the year.
1. Keep Holiday Foods Out of Paw’s Reach
Dogs + holiday food = chaos waiting to happen.
As we have seen in movies chaos happened on holiday dinner table once dog gets way to get hold of food.
Unfortunately, some of the most delicious holiday dishes are dangerous for dogs. As you prepare your Christmas dinner or holiday snacks, keep a close eye on curious noses.
Foods Toxic to Dogs
Here’s a quick list to remember:
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Chocolate (all types, but dark chocolate is the worst)
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Grapes and raisins (even one can be deadly)
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Onions, garlic, chives
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Alcohol
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Xylitol-sweetened desserts (often in sugar-free gum & baked goods)
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Macadamia nuts
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Unbaked yeast dough
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Fatty meats, turkey skin, ham drippings (pancreatitis risk)
Foods Dogs CAN Enjoy (in moderation!)
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Plain turkey (no seasoning)
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Cooked pumpkin
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Sweet potato (plain)
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Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
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Green beans
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Carrots
If you're cooking or hosting, remind guests not to slip your dog treats under the table. Grandma loves giving “just one little bite,” but sometimes that bite can turn into a midnight emergency vet visit.
2. Holiday Decorations Can Be a Dog Hazard
Decorations make your home festive but they can also bring risks. Dogs are naturally curious, and they interpret the holidays as “new things to sniff, chew, and accidentally destroy.”
Here’s how to dog-proof your decor:
Christmas Tree Safety
Your tree looks gorgeous but for your dog it looks like a big indoor playground.
Follow these holiday safety tips for dogs:
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Secure your tree with a stable base or wall anchor
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Avoid glass ornaments on lower branches
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Keep tinsel out of reach (it causes intestinal blockages if eaten)
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Unplug lights when you're away
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Cover the tree water (it may contain fertilizers, bacteria, or sap)
Remember: a wagging tail can take out ornaments faster than any Grinch.
Candles & Scents
Candles smell amazing during holiday season but never leave them lit near your dog. One tail swipe can start a fire.
Also be careful with essential oils as some oils are toxic to dogs. If you are not aware then especially pine, cinnamon, peppermint, and clove.
Wrapped Gifts
We do not think it but ribbon, bows, tape, and wrapping paper can be choking hazards. Keep them off the floor when possible.
If you want even more thoughtful ideas that celebrate rescue love, check out our guide to the top dog mom gifts for the holidays for meaningful presents that give back to the pups who saved us right back.
3. Protect Your Dog from Cold Weather Dangers
If you live somewhere cold like Chicago then winter can be harsh on dogs. Even if your pup has a fluffy coat, freezing temps still pose risks.
Basic Winter Safety Tips
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Limit outdoor time in below-freezing temperatures
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Use dog-safe paw balm before and after walks
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Watch out for salted sidewalks (many salts irritate paws)
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Dry your dog’s paws when they come inside
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Consider a warm dog sweater for smaller or short-haired breeds
NEVER leave your dog in the car
Cold can be just as deadly as heat. The car interior temperature drops fast that can create a freezer-like environment.
For more cold-weather care tips that keep your rescue pup feeling their best, take a look at our winter grooming tips for long-haired dogs to help your fluffy one stay healthy and comfortable all season long.
4. Create a Safe, Calm Space for Your Dog During Gatherings
The holidays mean one thing: people everywhere.
You may love the company of people at holiday party but your dog might find the noise, commotion, and constant activity stressful.
How to Create a Dog-Safe Holiday Space
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Set up a quiet room with your dog’s bed, toys, and water
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Play calming music to drown out noise
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Use baby gates to prevent escape attempts
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Remind guests to close doors behind them
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Ask kids not to overwhelm the dog with attention
A calm dog is a safe dog. And trust us on this as your pup will appreciate having a little retreat from the fiesta.
5. Be Cautious with Holiday Plants
Some holiday plants are gorgeous… and toxic.
Toxic Holiday Plants for Dogs:
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Poinsettias (mildly toxic but cause stomach upset)
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Mistletoe
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Holly
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Amaryllis
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Lilies
The safest bet? Keep plants high up or choose artificial alternatives.
6. Travel Safety Tips for Dogs During the Holidays
If you're traveling for Christmas or New Year's, planning ahead is essential.
Before You Hit the Road
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Pack food, water, medication, and familiar items
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Update your dog’s tags and microchip
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Use a crash-tested crate or seat belt harness
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Take frequent potty and stretch breaks
For Air Travel
Discuss with your vet first because air travel can be stressful and risky depending on your dog’s breed and age.
7. Noise Sensitivity: Protecting Dogs from Holiday Fireworks & Celebrations
New Year’s fireworks sound like a war zone to dogs. Their hearing is far more sensitive than ours.
Tips to Keep Dogs Calm During Fireworks
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Keep them indoors during noisy celebrations
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Close curtains and windows
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Turn on white noise or TV
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Stay close if your dog is anxious
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Avoid punishment because fear is not bad behavior
A cozy, secure environment helps reduce stress and keeps your pup safe during the loudest nights of the year.
8. Stick to Your Dog’s Routine as Much as Possible
Dogs love consistency.
The holidays… don’t provide much of it.
Try to maintain:
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Regular feeding times
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Standard walk schedule
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Daily playtime
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Training cues
Sticking to a routine helps dogs feel secure when everything else changes around them. If you live in colder region then don’t miss our guide on how to keep your dog warm during walks in winter for simple ways to protect them from the chill.
9. Think Twice Before Dressing Your Dog in Holiday Costumes
We love holiday outfits for dogs at Paws Are Good (you know we’re ALL about the cute dog mom vibes), but safety comes first.
✔ Choose costumers wisely:
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Avoid tight elastic bands
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Skip outfits with dangling pieces
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Ensure the dog can move naturally
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Remove clothing if your dog seems stressed
If your dog hates clothes then opt for a festive bandana instead.
10. Know When Your Dog Needs Emergency Care
Even with the best holiday safety tips for dogs, accidents happen.
What matters is acting fast.
Go to the vet immediately if your dog:
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Vomits repeatedly
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Eats chocolate or toxic foods
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Shows difficulty breathing
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Has diarrhea with blood
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Acts extremely lethargic
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Is shaking, drooling, or disoriented
Keep your nearest emergency vet’s number handy during the busy season.
A Safe Dog Is a Happy Dog This Holiday Season
The holidays should be joyful for the entire family and that includes your dog. By following these holiday safety tips for pet owners, you’re giving your pup the best gift possible. Yes that gift is protection, comfort, and love.
Your dog doesn’t care about presents, decorations, or how perfectly the house looks.
Your dog cares about you.
Your presence, your warmth, and your guidance.
At Paws Are Good, we believe the holiday season is a chance to celebrate the unconditional love dogs bring into our lives. And with awareness and planning, we can make sure they feel that same joy, safely and peacefully.
Rescue Reminder:
For meaningful dog mom Christmas gifts that also support rescue love and celebrate the pups who’ve changed our lives, explore our holiday collection made especially for compassionate dog moms.
From our pack to yours—
Happy Holidays, Pawsome Family.
May your season be bright, cozy, and dog-approved.
