A Guide to Dog-Friendly Holiday Gatherings

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The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and delicious feasts shared with family and friends. Sharing the celebrations with pets can be fun, but also dangerous. It's important to protect the safety of your pets while also making the gathering comfortable for your friends and family.

Personal Space

If you are keeping your dogs out at a party, then be sure that everyone visiting is comfortable around dogs and inquire about allergies to be sure everyone is safe. Let your guests know if there are any triggers or issues with your dog and how to deal with them should any occur. Make sure your dog is well-trained to give guests their personal space.

Guests are not the only ones who need personal space. Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for dogs with all the noise, strangers, and tempting aromas. Create a quiet and secure space for your pup to retreat to if the festivities become too much. Ensure they have access to water and familiar toys to help them relax.

Party Food

While we indulge in festive foods and treats, it's crucial to remember that some of our favorite holiday dishes can pose serious risks to our furry companions.

Dogs, with their curious nature and love for tasty morsels, may be exposed to potentially harmful foods during gatherings.

Foods to Keep Away from Your Dog

The holiday table is often filled with scrumptious dishes, but not all of them are safe for your dog.

Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures.
Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in some dogs, causing symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Onions and Garlic: Can cause damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, gum, and some baked goods. Ingesting xylitol can lead to a rapid release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and even liver failure.
Avocado: Contains a substance called persin, which can be harmful to dogs and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Alcohol: Dogs are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans. Ingesting alcohol can lead to intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death.
Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and some energy drinks. Like chocolate, caffeine contains theobromine and can cause similar symptoms in dogs.
Bones: Cooked bones, especially poultry and fish bones, can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or perforations in a dog's digestive system.
Macadamia Nuts: Even small amounts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
Almonds: While not as toxic as some other foods, almonds can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to their high fat content.
Citrus: The essential oils and psoralens found in citrus fruits can cause irritation and potentially lead to central nervous system depression in dogs.
Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach discomfort.

While it may seem like a festive treat to give your dog a bone, certain types of bones can be hazardous. Poultry and fish bones, in particular, can splinter and cause choking, digestive obstructions, or even damage to the intestines. Instead, offer your pup a dog-friendly chew toy to satisfy their natural instinct to gnaw.

Educate your guests about the dangers of sharing holiday foods with your dog at gatherings. While some foods are safe for your dog, too much sharing can be problematic. Rich and fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Stick to small, dog-friendly portions of lean meats and vegetables if you want to treat your pet. If your guests want to share food with your pets, provide doggie treats for them to share.

Secure the Trash and Left-overs

After your get-together, be sure to securely dispose of leftovers and packaging. Dogs are notorious for sniffing out the leftovers! Plates laying around and food left on side tables or dropped on the floor are too enticing for dogs to ignore. And they love rummaging through the trash if its within their reach. Ingesting discarded food containers or scraps can result in serious health issues. Keep trash bins behind closed doors or use a pet-proof lid to prevent access.

Other Holiday Considerations

Festive decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and ribbons can be enticing for dogs to play with or even ingest. Ingesting these items can lead to intestinal blockages or other complications. Keep an eye on your dog around decorations, and consider pet-friendly alternatives to traditional holiday adornments.

Provide entertainment for your dog, such as puzzle toys or chew items. This can help keep them occupied and less likely to get bored or anxious during the gathering. Plan some time outdoors where they can release their energy and excitement of a house full of people. Have lots of outdoor toys, balls, tug-of-war ropes, frisbees, or other toys that your dog likes available.

Celebrating the holidays with our furry friends adds an extra layer of joy to the season. Being mindful of your dogs needs as well as your guests needs will ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone.