We all enjoy Christmas, especially when it is a Christmas filled with firsts. If this is your puppy’s first Christmas, or if you’re thinking about buying a puppy, it is an exciting experience to see your puppy experiencing many new sights, smells, and sounds for the first time.
It’s safe to say that Christmas will be like nothing they have seen before.
Although your puppy will adapt to this, it’s important to remember that Christmas can bring a whole host of potential hazards for your puppy. But don’t worry, with some simple precautions, you can make sure that this is a Christmas that you treasure your puppy.
If you’ve added a puppy into your family this year or are considering buying a puppy here are a few things you should know to keep them safe before, during, and after the big day.
1. New People Are Scary
It’s normal to see more people at Christmas, and you can expect to have more visitors that might have not met your puppy before. We recommend making sure that your dog has a comfortable space to relax and take themselves to if they need a break from the excitement and noise.
Their relaxing space might include their bed, toys, and water to help them to calm down. We’ve put together some tips on how to introduce your puppy to new people at the end of this article.
2. The Christmas Tree
We can’t imagine a Christmas without a beautifully decorated tree, but do you know how to keep your puppy safe around it? If your puppy is curious, you might find that your Christmas tree needs to look a little different this year. For some puppies, the Christmas tree is a chance to get up to mischief. Here are a couple of things to be careful with this year:
Tinsel
Tinsel is fun, but to a puppy it is like sparkly food…and they will try to eat all of it. Although it looks beautiful, it may result in your puppy needing a trip to the vets as it is known for obstructing their small tummies.
Chocolate Decorations
We all love Chocolate – especially at Christmas – but no matter the time of the year, chocolate is poisonous to puppies.
Glass Baubles
Glass or thin plastic baubles sometimes resemble chew toys, so for your puppy, they may see this as a time to play. Try to keep these decorations out of your puppy’s reach, as they can be extremely dangerous if they’re swallowed.
Tree Lights
Nothing compares to the sparkle from Christmas tree lights, but for your puppy we recommend to not place them on the lower branches and to keep the cords hidden to help keep your puppy safe.
3. Father Christmas’ Presents Should be Out of Reach
If you’ve been good this year, Father Christmas might be stopping by your house. While doing so, he may be carrying a sack full of tempting treats for your puppy.
While it may be an idea for Father Christmas to leave presents under the tree, make sure he understands that they must be kept out of reach. Alcohol, chocolate, raisins, and xylitol (a common sweetener in sugar-free sweets) can be toxic to puppies.
So, before you go to bed on Christmas Eve, double-check that Father Christmas has the perfect place for your presents – one that is out of reach of your puppy.
4. Keep an Eye on Presents
Once you’ve ripped apart the wrapping paper and admired the gifts from your family and friends, it’s important keep all packaging out of reach of curious paws. While opening presents, we recommend keeping an eye on ribbons, tags and wrapping paper that might seem tempting for puppies to play with.
We recommend keeping your puppy distracted with their toys while your family open their presents.
5. Your Puppy Can Have Presents
Just like humans, your puppy will love receiving gifts too! Here are some thoughtful and safe gift ideas to make your puppy’s first Christmas extra special.
Interactive Toys
Puppies are energetic and inquisitive, so providing interactive toys can help keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
We recommend looking for toys that will test their problem-solving abilities or that will give them treats as they play. These toys can provide hours of entertainment while also helping to prevent boredom or chewing on things that they shouldn’t.
Comforting Items
Make your puppy feel safe and secure by providing comforting items such as a new soft toy. These items can help your puppy feel more at ease during Christmas and New Year by providing a sense of familiarity.
Training Tools
Christmas is the perfect excuse purchase training equipment for your puppy. You could buy them a new collar and lead for their walks, or you could consider purchasing a clicker or a treat pouch if you’re planning to teach your dog new tricks in 2024.
These tools can help you communicate with your puppy more effectively and teach them new commands and behaviours.
How to Introduce Your Puppy to New People at Christmas
At Christmas, your puppy might meet new family members. While this is an exciting time for everyone, it is important to make sure that your puppy’s introduction is smooth and stress-free.
Gradually Introduce Your Puppy
It can be difficult to introduce your puppy to new people, especially during the busy Christmas period. Allow your puppy to approach new family members at his or her own pace.
Encourage your family and friends to interact with your puppy in a calm and gentle manner, avoiding any loud noises or sudden movements that may startle them. As we’ve mentioned earlier, if your puppy appears to be stressed, give them a quiet place to retreat and relax.
Gradually Introduce Your Puppy
It helps to set and communicate puppy boundaries with your family members. Some people may be tempted to feed your puppy table scraps or allow them to jump on furniture. While done with love, it can confuse your puppy and lead to your puppy learning unwanted behaviours.
Before this happens, let your family members, politely but firmly, of what is and isn’t okay for your puppy. Consistency is essential for reinforcing good behaviour and avoiding confusion for your puppy.
Have Regular Breaks
During family gatherings, it is easy to become distracted by conversations and lose sight of your puppy. During these events, puppies can become overwhelmed or exhausted, so make sure to give them regular rest and recharge breaks in a quiet area. Make sure to recognise how your puppy is feeling. To do this we recommend reading blog on learning your puppy’s body language to understand what your puppy is trying to tell you.
