For many of us, Christmas is a fantastic time; full of gifts, food, family and sometimes travel.  Here are some tips to keep your big dog (or any dog, really) safe during the upcoming festive season. 

Keep Dogs Safe Over Christmas

Be careful with decorations

Some tree decorations can be dangerous if broken which can create risks for both young children and dogs.  Consider what you put on your tree and if it’s kid and dog-friendly.  Remember small pieces, or things which can smash (glass types), can be dangerous.    

Brush up on your training or crating

Chances are that you’ll have some guests around your place, and whilst you remember them, your canine buddy may not.  Alternatively, small children might be in tow and your big boisterous dog may accidentally knock them over or scare them.  It’s ideal to crate your dog until people settle and your dog has settled and everything is calmer.  If people have small children and your dog isn’t used to them, be aware of that and take appropriate steps to protect the children, which in turn protects your big buddy. 

Retain habits and routines as much as possible 

It’s Christmas morning and everyone is just focused on presents and often the last thing we think of is our dog.  Consider going out early for a good walk, or being sure to schedule in a walk between opening presents and having brekky.  You might have a (non-cooked, of course) dog bone for your dog, which you can give them outside.  Remember that if you’ve young children visiting who don’t know the rules around dogs and food and bones (especially if your dog is not used to younger kids), then be sure to either lock doors so kids can’t get between a dog and his bone, or find a safe and quiet place your dog can enjoy his/her special Christmas treat.   

A lot of ham isn’t good for your dog

It’s not that pork products are bad for dogs; it’s the amount of fat and sodium that they contain.  A little bit of meat is ok, but that outer shell of rind and fat is definitely not good for your dog.  Now some of our furry friends are very good at helping themselves to items on the kitchen bench (we won’t call it stealing, but rather, creative acquisitioning), so if that’s a possibility, take special care.  Also, some of our buddies are great at freeing items from the garbage bins – again, take care.  Ham smells soooooo good; of course, they are going to want some.  Also be sure that guests are all on the same page with regards to scraps.  I don’t know how often I remind guests or visitors not to feed the dogs, but they do – but his/her eyes are just begging me … like I’m being cruel for not allowing them to eat a tonne of stuff which will either make them sick (literally) or is unhealthy, or as below, chocolate, which is toxic.  Who wants to pick up dog vomit on Christmas day, or find an emergency vet practice which is open?  

Chocolate also isn’t good for your dog

Remember they have nose receptors about 15-20 times stronger than a human’s.  If you’ve got chocolate under the Christmas tree, even wrapped, chances are they will source it.  Best to just not put those sorts of things under the tree until Christmas morning.

Also be sure to avoid the following:

• Christmas pudding and mince pies can be toxic to dogs
• Certain plants, including mistletoe, holly and poinsettia, can upset their stomachs
• Cigarette butts and alcohol left lying around can be dangerous too
• Chicken bones (cooked and even larger ones uncooked) also.    

Avoid dogs around when people are eating

Watch people don’t eat their piece of chicken and then put their plate down on the ground when they’ve finished; a habit many people do, but which your dog will take as “help yourself”.  It’s best often to have your dog away from people eating.  It avoids begging, them being fed things they shouldn’t eat, or eating a tonne of or taking things they should not.  Once everything is tidied up, they can come out.  

My old boy Caesar was present at an Aussie day BBQ a few years back.  He was well-behaved, but later vomited up what must have been equivalent to 6-8 whole sausages.  I think every person at the BBQ must have given him a piece of sausage, of which he was delighted, I am sure.  However, the volume of that sort of food was just too much.  Someone had asked me if it was ok to give him a piece of sausage, and I said ‘ok’, but clearly, he got far more than what I was aware of.  My lesson learnt then was to keep him separated and just give him a piece myself … rather than allowing my well-meaning (multiple) guests to give him a treat.  😊 

Don’t forget lots of water

You’re in party mode and having a tonne of fun, and perhaps a drink or two.  Don’t forget to ensure your canine friend has plenty of fluids too – the water type, not alcohol!  It’s often hot over our Aussie Christmas period, so ensure your big dog has lots of water … may I suggest perhaps one of our tall water buckets would be great.  

Going away on holidays or camping with your dog

Firstly, if you’re going away and cannot take your dog, organise a pet sitter well in advance.  In fact, it’s best to have a ‘Plan B’ in place, in case your ‘Plan A’ falls through.  This is a busy time of year when services like that are in high demand.   

If you’re going away camping or to somewhere that dogs are allowed, don’t forget a few things:

• Immunisation record; some dog-friendly camp sites require this
• All medication your dog might be under, including vitamins or dog Panadol
• Treats and toys
• Food
• Poop bags (what goes in, must come out)
• Bedding, blankets, mats, crate or fencing – depending on your needs
• Leads for walking, as well as longer leads that allow some movement without leaving your site. 

Remember also that Christmas in Australia is summer, which means warm weather; tick weather.  Be sure your treatments are current and you’ve read up and are prepared to not only inspect ticks, but manage if necessary.  

Local Vet or Pet Hospital Details

If you are going away, Google now (whilst there is no emergency) where the closest 24-hour vet is near where you’re staying.  Chances are you won’t need it, but if there was ever an emergency, that 10 minutes you need to find an option might make all the difference in a crisis.  

A lot of what I’ve got above is often common sense and just be thoughtful of your four-legged friend.  When we consider the wellness of our dogs – big and small – we can then all have a wonderful Christmas and everyone stays safe, happy and healthy.  

On that note, wishing you, your family and your beautiful dogs a Doglightful Christmas and Joyous New Year!   🐾