Be SAFE with Dogs & Kids for the Holidays

Keep your dog stress and fear free during Christmas and Hanukkah.

Dog Bites Can Be Prevented

Keep your dog calm, cool and collected during the Holidays

While Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter holiday celebrations are fun for the family, new family members, decorations, trees, and presents can all cause stress in your canine companions. Take the time to follow a few helpful tips, and keep the holidays free of stress and anxiety for your dogs.

Half of all children bitten by dogs are under the age of twelve. Most dog bites are by the family dog or a dog that is known to the person. Most dog bites are preventable with a few easy steps to make your 4-legged family member less stressed and fearful during holiday season.

Our Be SAFE for the Holidays videos can help you be safe and merry with your dogs and family.

Be SAFE with Dogs this Holiday Season

Tips & Tricks for Holiday Dog Safety

What Can You Do to Help Your Children Avoid Dog Bites during the Holidays?

Simple steps that make a difference

  1. Post a Sign On Your Door: If your dog is bothered by the doorbell or people knocking on the door, either post a sign on your door telling people not to ring the doorbell or wait outside to greet Holiday guests.
  2. Keep Your Dog In a Room Away From the Front Door: With the front door opening and closing all day long, keep your dog in another room, away from the front door. Give your dog a food dispensing toy and play soft music to mask the sound of visitors.
  3. Don’t Take Pictures Of the Dog & Kids: Make sure your dog is comfortable around kids and cameras before you start taking photos. Also know if they’re comfortable with things like fake antlers and Christmas hats before dressing them up.
  4. Keep Wrapping Paper Away From Dogs: Gift wrap and some decorations can cause intestinal blockage if eaten. Be sure these things are kept out of your dog’s reach.
  5. Candles Can Be Dangerous: Christmas candles and Menorahs can be fire hazards if knocked over by dogs. Make sure your dog doesn’t start an unintentional fire.
  6. Some Foods Can Be Toxic To Dogs: Foods like chocolate, bacon, and alcohol can be harmful to dogs. If you’re giving your dog a Christmas treat, stick to dog food.
  7. Keep Decorations Out Of Reach: Be careful decorations inside and outside of your house are kept out of the reach of your dog.

With a few simple precautions and knowing what stresses out your dog, you can make Halloween a fun and enjoyable day and night for the whole family.

Thanks to Cathy Reisfield of Dependable Dogs for these great tips.

Take a Stand Against Dog Bites

Education for adults and children is key

Any dog can bite, regardless of how long you’ve had your furry friend or how well you think you know him. Unfortunately, many dog bites result in a dog being surrendered to an animal shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year.

Help stop the growing number of dog bites and the number of dogs being left at shelters. Educate yourself and your children about proper behavior around dogs, how to greet a dog, and how to respect dogs. A little understanding goes a long way to building a better relationship between your dog and all your family members.

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