Dogs, whether you’re visiting family and friends over the Holidays, or hosting a gathering at your home, here are some things to keep in mind so that it is a happy and worry-free celebration for everyone, especially you! 

First off, you’re going to be surrounded by a lot of tempting food. But you need to stand strong and refuse the delectable scraps being offered to you. I know people mean well by sharing, but not all food is good for you. There’s no quicker way to ruin the fun than with an upset tummy. Emergency vets see an increase in visits due to gastroenteritis from eating unfamiliar and seasoned people foods; pancreatitis from consuming large amounts of fatty foods, like dark turkey meat, turkey skin, ham or cheeses; and poisonings from ingesting foods toxic to dogs such as chocolate, raisins, and foods made with the sugar substitute xylitol, also known as birch sugar. So please remind your humans that not all foods are treats, and ask them to help you resist temptation.

Also never, I repeat, never eat turkey bones! This includes leaving the carcass of the turkey alone. Turkey bones can be a choking hazard, or worst yet puncture your digestive track. Overall it’s best to steer clear of the table and kitchen scraps, and make sure when cleaning up your humans keep garbage away from nose level. After all, we want you starting the New Year healthy and happy!

It is also important to be aware of your surroundings when visiting new places. Not everyone knows the power of a happy tail or a curious nose, especially in a house festooned in decorations. So when you arrive ask your humans to survey the area where you’ll be celebrating to make sure there are no dangers at tail level. This includes lighted candles on low tables, precious knickknacks that could break and cut excited paws, and easily accessible bowls of candy that may be too tempting to resist. By politely asking the hosts to place those items out of harm’s way, you can guarantee everyone will have a good time. Also be aware of hazards such as tinsel and ribbons, that can be hiding among tempting wrapping paper when gifts are unwrapped. Recently we also learned that some snow globes contain antifreeze. So please make sure if one accidentally gets broken, your family immediately removes you from the area while it is being cleaned up, to avoid curious licks of the sweet tasting poison.

You also need to be aware of people who are unsteady on their feet, or just not accustomed to having a happy pup underfoot. Try to have your humans help you steer clear of toddlers just getting use to their wobbly legs, older adults who may not be as spry as they use to be, and guests that may have indulged a bit too much in an adult beverage. Because it’s all fun and games until a human falls down or a paw gets trod upon. 

Now I know it’s really exciting when guests are coming and going. You want to greet each and every one, and you also want to wish them safe travels when they leave. But with doors opening and closing it is easy to lose track of if you are coming or going and you may accidentally find yourself outside without supervision. Sadly some dogs do get lost during the Holidays, and even Santa can’t help them find their way home. One of the best ways to keep yourself safe is to ask your humans to keep you in a secure area while folks are coming or going. This could be a crate where you can still watch the action, or perhaps a quiet room so you don’t get stressed by all the excitement. Don’t worry, no one will think you are a rude dog for sitting out this activity. There will still be plenty of time to interact with your friends and family. However, you need to stay away from open doors. This includes following the little humans out to play. Oh sure you’ll no doubt need to answer nature’s call during the course of the day, but never go out unaccompanied. Also make sure you bring an adult with you, especially when visiting an unfamiliar yard, even if it is fenced. Humans can get awfully forgetful during parties, and may accidentally leave a gate open. 

Another thing to keep in mind is fireworks aren’t just for the 4th of July. Many New Year celebrations and Christmas parties include them too, and it is easy to get caught off guard by a sudden bang. So please if you’re out celebrating, or even just going for a quick trip out to your yard, make sure your owners have you on-leash, especially once it gets dark out.

It’s also important to be prepared for the unthinkable of getting lost over the Holidays. Make sure your id tag is up to date, and if you’re microchipped that the database has all your current contact information including your owners’ cell phone numbers. Also make sure your family has a current photo of you on their phones, so that you can easily be identified in posters and by people searching for you. For more information on what to do if you go missing, please have your humans review our post on Finding a Lost Dog Recommendations, and that they take a moment to watch the Calming Signals Video by Missing Pet Partnership on how not to scare you when found. 

Remember you don’t need to be the life of the party. It’s ok to take breaks and have your humans put you in a quiet place in the house to relax. I don’t know about you, but I like my routine, and need to take naps. So when visiting, be sure that your family packs a few of your favorite toys and perhaps a blanket that smells like home, so you can take a moment to decompress from all the excitement of celebrating. Also it’s ok to stay home. Big family gatherings aren’t the best thing for nervous, easily excitable pups, or older dogs who aren’t feeling well. Or if you happen to be visiting a home where there are tempting cats to chase. It’s alright to sit this event out, because there are plenty of other ways for you to celebrate the Holidays with your loved ones.