Dog Proofing

Whether you are expecting visitors or not, as far as our dogs are concerned, Christmas marks a change in our behaviour and our homes and that usually means a change in their routine. So spend a little time dog-proofing your home and you will all enjoy the festive season!

• If you are expecting visitors, make sure they know the house rules, for example:
  • No human food,
  • No food from the table,
  • No titbits whilst people are eating,
  • No dogs on furniture,
  • No dogs upstairs or where ever you want to keep hair free,
  • No leaving the outside door open,
  • No leaving dog unattended near tree/gifts
  • No leaving the dog unattended in kitchen – even the best trained Labrador might not be able to resist a resting turkey!
  • Please leave the dog alone if he/she has gone to bed to sleep
• Make sure the Christmas tree is safe –
  • that it is positioned where you dog cannot get in/under/behind it
  • that it is secure and unlikely to topple over,
  • if you are using tinsel, make sure there is nothing dangling that your dog might grab
  • if you have a fresh tree, that you sweep up the needles regularly and that the water for it is not accessible
  • …..just be aware that to your dog, a bauble may look like a ball, that twinkling lights may draw them to the tree wire, water
• Candles and scented candles are fabulously atmospheric – just be ware of wagging tails and fire safety
• Keep gifts and shoes out of reach!
• Keep all chocolate out of reach
• If you have made your own dog treats…..keep them out of reach too!
• Keep all children’s toys out of reach
• Try to keep to a similar routine
• Take care when introducing visiting dogs
• Make sure that your dog is always wearing a collar and tag – just incase he/she gets out!
• For some dogs, the change in noise level, number of people, the temperature of the home or even a change in their routine can be stressful, so create a safe and quiet space for your dog where they can go to relax away from the general excitement.
• Be aware of Fireworks throughout the festive season and make sure that your dog has access to their safe space.

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