Hello, Sit, Stay, ‘N Play family!
It’s Lisa here, ready to share some festive tips for a season full of cheer, laughter—and a little dog-safe mischief! As we bring out the decorations and tasty treats, let's make sure the holidays are as joyful for our pups as they are for us. Here’s your go-to guide for keeping the season fun, safe, and filled with wagging tails!
🎄The Tree Temptation Trap
The “Not for Chewing” Zone: To our dogs, the Christmas tree is basically the world’s biggest chew toy. Tree = Stick, right? Let’s help them understand otherwise! Secure it tightly to prevent any tree-toppling attempts from curious noses or eager paws.
Ornaments Are NOT Treats: Sparkling ornaments may look snackable to our pups. Try placing the fragile ones higher up and consider shatterproof ornaments for the lower branches. Your tree will stay festive and intact all season long!
🍪 A Dog’s Nose Knows… All the Food!
Set Boundaries in the Kitchen: Preparing holiday feasts with a dog underfoot is like a game of dodge! Keep them out of the kitchen to avoid the danger of dropped treats like chocolate or raisins (both toxic for dogs).
Safe Treat Swap: Want to give them a taste of the holidays? Small bits of plain turkey, unsweetened applesauce, or their favorite treats make great holiday snacks! Bonus tip: wrap it up as a “present” so they get the joy of unwrapping, too.
The Gift Un-Wrapping Patrol
Ribbon Wrangling: If your dog finds ribbons irresistible, keep an eye on them—too much ribbon can lead to tummy trouble. Stick with soft gift wraps and skip the shiny stuff if you’ve got a ribbon-happy chomper.
DIY Doggy Gifts: Give your dog something safe to unwrap! Hide a few treats inside a small box or paper wrapping. They’ll feel like a VIP guest, and you’ll save your other gifts from being part of the “unboxing.”
Decking the Halls (Without Drama)
Low-Hanging Mistletoe? Nope! Holiday plants like mistletoe and holly are cute but can upset your dog’s stomach, so hang them high or swap for artificial options. Poinsettias? Gorgeous, but best kept out of paw’s reach (for both their health and your carpet’s!). Tinsel Terrors: Tinsel might look like a magical, slinky toy to our pups. But it can end up in places it shouldn’t! If you have a dog prone to chewing, it’s safer to skip the tinsel and stick with dog-safe decorations.
Hosting a “Paw-sitively” Fun (and Safe) Gathering A VIP (Very Important Pup) Space: While we love the holiday chaos, our dogs sometimes need a little peace and quiet. Set up a cozy retreat for them to relax—a comfy bed, favorite toy, and maybe a treat to keep them happy.
Mind the Doorbell: With all the comings and goings, there’s always the risk of a door-dashing pup! If you’ve got an escape artist, consider setting up a baby gate or keeping them leashed when the door’s open. A bit of planning here can prevent a stressful game of “Find the Dog.”
❄️ Outdoor Fun (in Moderation!)
Snowy Snouts and Frosty Paws: Cold weather can be hard on sensitive paws. Paw balm or booties are great for winter walks and remember—keeping outings shorter in chilly weather is a win for everyone.
A Festive Photoshoot: We all love a holiday photoshoot! Dress your dog up in a cozy scarf or reindeer antlers—if they’re comfortable with it. Some dogs love being the star of the show, while others would rather skip the spotlight.
Cheers to a Happy, Safe, and Hilariously Fun Holiday Season!
With just a bit of planning, you’ll keep the holiday season safe and make it one to remember!
From our Sit, Stay, ‘N Play family to yours, may this season be merry, bright, and filled with fun,
laughter, and (of course) belly rubs.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!
Warm wags,
Lisa