The festive season is a wonderful time of year filled with joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—some potential hazards for our furry friends. Here at Ruby's, we believe in ensuring that every family member, including your dogs, has a safe and happy holiday. Here are some important steps to keep your dogs safe during this busy time.

1. Secure Holiday Decorations

- Avoid Tinsel and Ornaments: Small items like tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can be enticing for dogs but pose choking hazards or digestive blockages if ingested. Opt for dog-safe decorations or place fragile items out of reach.

- Anchor Trees and Wreaths: If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it's securely anchored to prevent it from toppling over due to a curious wagging tail.

2. Watch for Toxic Plants

- Keep Plants Out of Reach: Many holiday plants, like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to dogs. If you're decorating with real plants, ensure they're placed where your dogs cannot reach them.

- Consider Artificial Alternatives: Using artificial plants can be a safer choice, minimizing the risk of poisoning.

3. Be Cautious with Holiday Foods

- Avoid Human Treats: Many traditional holiday foods, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol, are toxic to dogs. Make sure guests know not to feed your dog table scraps.

- Provide Safe Treats: Consider offering your dog special holiday treats that are safe for them to enjoy. Check out Ruby's selection for some delicious options!

4. Manage Guest Interactions

- Create a Safe Space: With guests coming and going, it’s essential to have a designated quiet area for your dogs where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

- Educate Guests: Remind friends and family to ask before petting or feeding your dogs. Not all dogs are comfortable with strangers, especially during the festive hustle.

5. Prevent Door Dashers

- Use Barriers: With many visitors entering your home, it’s easy for your dog to escape. Consider using baby gates or leashes to prevent door dashes when the door opens.

- Train Your Dog: Reinforce commands like “stay” or “wait” to ensure they remain calm during visits.

6. Watch Out for Noise and Stress

- Prepare for Fireworks: Many New Year’s celebrations involve fireworks, which can be frightening for dogs. Prepare your dog by providing a safe, quiet space to retreat in, away from the noise.

- Use Calming Products: Ruby's offers a variety of calming products like anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers that can help soothe your dogs during stressful times.

7. Plan for Outdoor Safety

- Dress for the Weather: As the temperatures drop, make sure your dogs are warm when going outside.

- Keep Leashes Handy: If heading to holiday gatherings or out for walks, ensure your dogs are leashed, especially in crowded or busy areas.

8. Check ID Tags

- Update Information: With guests coming and going and dogs potentially sneaking out, double-check that your dogs' ID tags are up-to-date and securely fastened.

- Microchip Your Dogs: If you haven’t already, consider microchipping your dogs as an added layer of security.

The holiday season should be a joyful time for all members of the family, including our dogs. By taking a few extra precautions, you can create a safe environment that allows everyone to enjoy the celebrations without stress. Remember, if you need any dog supplies or calming products, Ruby's has you covered. Happy holidays to you and your furry companions!