Your Holiday Survival Guide (For You AND Your Pets)

The holidays mean family, food, and fun. But with all the excitement, it's easy to forget that our pets need extra care and attention too. At Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale, we know how much our furry friends mean to us. That's why we've put together these important tips to help keep them safe and happy during the holiday craziness.

Keep Pets on Their Normal Routine

Your dog doesn't need a holiday feast to feel included. Actually, sticking to their usual food and feeding schedule is way healthier. Rich foods, table scraps, and sweets can cause serious stomach problems.

Smart move: Feed your dog their regular food on time to avoid upset stomachs and emergency vet visits.

Say No to Human Food Sharing

Holiday meals are loaded with foods that can hurt pets. Onion, garlic, chocolate, fatty foods, and some vegetables can poison them. Even turkey can be dangerous if it comes with seasoned skin, bones, or sauces.

Safe option: If you absolutely must share, stick to plain, unseasoned turkey meat in tiny amounts. Skip the bones, skin, desserts, and spicy dishes completely.

Create a Pet Safe Zone

The kitchen and dining area can be stressful and tempting for pets. A secure space like a crate or quiet room helps keep them calm and away from dangerous foods and busy activity.

Pro tip: Give them a long-lasting chew or toy so your dog stays busy and out of trouble.

Stop the Food Thieves

Raw dough, uncooked meats, and leftover plates can be deadly if eaten. Dough expands in the stomach and can cause life-threatening problems. Bones can cause blockages that require emergency surgery.

Must do: Store food right away and keep plates and containers where pets can't reach them.

Make Decorations Pet-Proof

Shiny tinsel, confetti, ornaments, and holiday plants can be dangerous if eaten. Cats think tinsel is the best toy ever, and dogs love knocking over decorated trees or drinking tree water treated with fertilizers. Poinsettias and other holiday plants are also toxic.

Safety first: Keep decorations and plants out of reach, and make sure your tree won't tip over.

Give Extra Love and Distractions

Holidays can overwhelm pets just like they overwhelm us. Extra playtime, longer walks, or puzzle toys can reduce stress and help them relax. Keeping their normal schedule gives them comfort and stability.

Holiday gift idea: Pet-friendly treats or new toys make great presents and keep pets busy while you deal with family drama.

The Bottom Line

A little planning and some small changes can prevent accidents and keep your pets safe throughout the holidays. By controlling dangerous foods, decorations, and stressful situations, you'll make sure everyone in the family has a great season — including your pets.

Need Safe Care During the Holidays?

For year-round care, Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale offers interactive dog daycare, boarding, and grooming services to keep pets active, social, and well cared for. Contact us today to learn more!

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