15 Tips To Keep Your Pooch Safe For The Holidays

Just like you like to spend time in a warm house during the winter, so does your dog!

Spending lots of time outside is great in warmer months, but as it turns cold, keep them inside more.

Spending time outside during the winter is still fun and healthy for your dog, but pay attention to signs that they may have had enough.

Shivering or refusing to keep walking means it's time to go inside.

To a dog, a Christmas tree is less a symbol of seasonal joy and more a big, shiny toy waiting to be played with.

If you have a tree, make sure it's securely anchored down so it can't tip and fall.

It's also a good idea to keep fragile ornaments and lights off the lower branches to avoid them being knocked down or eaten.

Antifreeze is a bright, yellowish-green liquid used to keep car engines from freezing in the winter.

It's also got a sweet taste that dogs (and sometimes even kids) love — and it's very poisonous.

Keep any antifreeze sealed and away from where pets and children can get to it, and be sure to clean up any spills you might create immediately.

If you live near a road or parking lot, don't let your dog out unattended. And if you see your dog acting sick or strangely, take them to the vet immediately.

Candles add a cozy, festive glow to any room — but unattended, they're a serious fire hazard.

This is especially true with pets, who may knock them over and risk damage to your home and serious injury to themselves.

Always blow out candles when leaving a room, and when they're lit, keep candles well away from where pets can reach them, and use sturdy, fireproof holders.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but making sure your dog has enough food and water during the winter is important.

They'll need more fat and be expending more energy keeping warm, so they'll need more food, especially if they spend a lot of time outside.

If your pet's food and water dishes are outside, make sure their water is unfrozen — and use plastic dishes, as their tongues can get stuck to metal ones in the winter.

Eating snow can make dogs very cold very fast, so discourage the behavior.

If you notice they like to lap up snow, it might be because they're thirsty, so make sure their water bowls are full.

And you know what they say about yellow snow…

Salt and sand on roads is good for walking and driving — but less so for delicate paw pads.

Harsh road salt can irritate dogs' paw pads — and if they lick their paws to alleviate the pain, they'll ingest salt and other chemicals that can cause harm.

After walks, it's a good idea to wipe down paws with a warm, damp cloth.

Or, you can avoid it altogether by outfitting your pooch with booties.

To find out what traditional Christmas decoration can kill your dog, click below to see Page 2!

Sure, it looks pretty, but tinsel is irresistible to dogs (and cats) who think of it more as a snack than as a decoration.

Ingesting tinsel can obstruct digestive tracts and, in the worst cases, require surgery.

So in that case, you might want to look for an alternative way to add sparkle to your home.

Holly, poinsettias, and mistletoe are all festive — but they're also very poisonous to pups.

If you really like them, make sure they're placed high enough so that a dog can't get to them.

You can also opt for artificial sprigs, or select a festive bouquet in something more pet-friendly.

Holidays mean parties, and while they're fun for you, a shy or nervous pet doesn't feel quite the same way.

A sudden influx of people can make them stressed, and a stressed dog can sometimes turn into an aggressive one.

If your pooch gets anxious in crowds, make a safe space for them in a spare room with some of their favorite toys and blankets for when things get overwhelming.

It's also a good idea to inform guests that grabbing at or otherwise bothering your shy dog is a no-no.

Long-haired dogs have long hair for a reason — to keep them warm!

And just like they need a trim in warmer months to stay cool, they need that fur in the winter to stay warm. So let it grow!

Just be sure to give your long-haired dog brushings regularly, and take them inside when their fur gets wet, as that will make them even colder than no fur at all.

If they don't have a natural coat, give them one!

A warm coat can make all the difference — and you should know that from experience!

If you're cold without a coat, then so is your short-haired friend. Find a warm coat that fits your dog well, and bundle up before going outside.

Okay, this is true year-round, but it's especially true around the holidays, when food tends to be extra-rich.

Human food is never good for dogs, but anything with xylitol, chocolate, or other sweet or rich ingredients is particularly bad.

To avoid any digestive disasters, keep plates full of leftovers, platters, and other dishes up and away from nosy dogs.

Keep the dishwasher closed, and make sure garbage can lids and cabinets are kept securely closed.

If you think a nearby dog is being left outside in the cold, or being otherwise neglected, speak up!

Document what you can see, and then contact your local animal control or police office.

Some places will allow for anonymous tips, if you'd prefer not to make yourself known.

Pets are part of the family, and as such, it's fun to give them presents at the holidays, too — even if they don't really get the whole "holiday" thing.

But picking the right gift is important. Favorites are chew toys that are basically indestructible, or ones that are designed to break down and be safely digested.

A Kong stuffed with a healthy snack is a great choice, too. Avoid toys that involve ribbons, yarn, or loose pieces that can come off and be swallowed.

We know your love your pets and the holidays. That's why it's important to make this time of year safe and enjoyable for everyone!

Remember to SHARE these tips with your animal-loving friends to make sure the holidays are safe for everyone!