Bite Prevention Tips For Dogs At The Holidays
This article is more about keeping your dog safe when you have visitors over rather than the holiday itself. Things to keep in mind, especially if your dog has behavioral issues and you need to ensure there are no incidents.
Dog Safety During The Holidays
Sharing this post may save your friends and family a lot of heartache at the holidays.
Dog bites often take pet parents by surprise. You may find yourself saying, "He's NEVER done that before!" Especially if your dog has handled similar situations well in the past. But here's the truth—dogs, like humans, have limits to their tolerance.
We’ve all seen those viral videos where a child is climbing on a dog, pulling its ears, or getting right in its face, while the dog is clearly uncomfortable. And yet, the adults filming don’t intervene. It’s not cute—it’s dangerous.
Even the most well-behaved dogs have a breaking point. Stress, fatigue, changes in routine, loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, and aging can all impact your dog's behavior and emotional state. Dogs that are normally calm and patient may have trouble coping with all the excitement and chaos, especially around the holidays.
Don’t Assume Your Dog Will Tolerate Everything
Just because your dog has been tolerant in the past doesn’t mean they will be today. And if you've allowed your dog to tolerate annoying or invasive behavior before, it's time to change that. Don’t assume your dog will handle everything perfectly, even if it’s a child or visitor they know well.
Your dog relies on you to keep them out of stressful situations. Every time they’re put at risk, the chance of a dog bite increases. It’s not fair to your dog or your guests.
Holiday Stress and Dog Safety
With the holidays approaching, it’s important to remember that just like you, your dog can get stressed out by guests. Even if you love your family, constant company can wear on your nerves. Your dog feels the same way. They can’t vocalize their frustration like we can. So when they’ve had enough, they may react by growling or snapping.
Strangers, holiday noise, and new routines can make your dog anxious. Add to that a child running through the house, invading their space, playing near their food bowl, pulling on ears or tails, or teasing them with toys—and it becomes a dangerous situation.
Teach Kids to Respect Your Dog’s Space
Even the most gentle, well-trained dog can reach their limit. Something as simple as a child hugging or kissing your dog on the snout could be the last straw. It’s crucial to teach children how to interact with dogs safely and respectfully, and to ensure your dog gets plenty of quiet time to relax away from guests.
Key Takeaways for Holiday Dog Safety
Don’t assume past behavior means your dog will always tolerate stress.
Fatigue, routine changes, and new people can push your dog’s limits.
Strangers and children can unintentionally stress or overwhelm your dog.
Teach kids how to safely interact with dogs, respecting their space and cues.
Ensure your dog has a quiet, safe space to retreat to during holiday events.
By being mindful of your dog's emotional state and setting clear boundaries for guests—especially children—you can keep your dog safe and reduce the risk of a dog bite during the holiday season. Remember, your dog counts on you to protect them and ensure their comfort.
Dog Bite Prevention Safety Considerations:
Never leave a child unsupervised with any dog.
Read your dog's body language and respect it 100% of the time.
Review these graphic with visitors in your home, especially children.
Do not set your dog up to fail. Take steps necessary to keep him in a quiet calm place. He does NOT need to be part of the festivities.
Supervision means awake, adult, and aware supervision. Eyes on the scenario not just present. And not distracted by some other activity.
If you cannot supervise - put the dog in his crate. He will need some quite time anyway, away from the hustle and bustle.
Bedroom doors and doors to the outside can easily be opened carelessly. Be sure to secure entry to any area your dog may be in. A simple hook and eye can keep little kids from opening the door by accident.
You also need to set boundaries with adults. Some of your visitors think they "know dogs" or may have a little too much egg-nog and do something really stupid that puts your dog at risk.
Doors & gates are often left open during the holiday season as people come in with food and gifts, door dasher dogs slip past quickly. Keep your dog on a leash, even in the house.
Take time to do proper introductions to any other dogs thatyour guests may have brought with them. But remember, nothing says they even need to play together at all. In fact, it may be better if you ask your brother to leave his dog at home.
Socialization of your dog is important -- but it doesn't replace the safety precautions you need to take.
These charts by Dr. Sophia Yin are great teaching tools to sit and have a conversation with your child, children who will be visiting, and maybe even some adults. Take the time to have a teaching moment.
Take care of your dog & your children and play it safe. Where appropriate, purchase a crate and use it to give your dog a place of his own to stay stay this holiday season. If the issues are severe enough with your dog -- consider boarding him while visitors are present.
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