Keeping Pups Safe During Holiday Gatherings: A Guide from Camp Run-A-Mutt

The holidays are filled with food, family, fun… and for our dogs, a whole lot of unfamiliar sights, smells, and excitement. While celebrations bring joy, they can also introduce hidden hazards for pets. At Camp Run-A-Mutt, safety is at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve put together our top tips to help you keep your pup happy and protected during holiday festivities—whether you’re hosting, traveling, or visiting friends.

1. Create a “Dog-Only” Safe Space

Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for even the most social dogs. Loud noises, lots of guests, and a busy atmosphere might cause stress or overstimulation.

Tips to make your dog’s quiet retreat:

• Use a spare bedroom, office, or gated-off area.
• Set up a comfy bed, fresh water, and favorite toys.
• Play soft music or white noise to drown out party sounds.
• Let guests—especially kids—know this space is off-limits.

This gives your pup the freedom to step away whenever they need a breather. This approach is also recommended by veterinarians as a way to reduce stress when visitors come in and out.

2. Watch Out for Holiday Food Hazards

Holiday feasts often include ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. A distracted host + a counter full of food = opportunity for snacking.

Foods dogs should never have:

• Chocolate (all forms)
• Grapes & raisins
• Onions, garlic (and other allium family members)
• Nuts — especially macadamia nuts
• Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sugar-free treats (especially those containing xylitol)
• Rich, fatty foods & table scraps (e.g. fatty turkey skin, gravies) — which can lead to pancreatitis or digestive upset.
• Cooked bones (especially from turkey or ham) — risk of bone splintering and internal damage.

If guests love slipping treats under the table, offer a bowl of dog-safe snacks instead — like plain carrots, green beans, or store-bought dog treats.

3. Decor Danger: Pretty but Risky

Holiday decorations add sparkle — but can be tempting or risky for pets.

Common décor dangers include:

• Tinsel and ribbons: Can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
• Glass ornaments: May break and injure paws or mouths.
• Lit candles, string lights, cords: Pets may chew wires or knock them over — which leads to burns or fire risk.
• Trees and tree water: Pine needles and needles’ oils can irritate or injure a pet’s digestive tract; tree-stand water may contain preservatives or bacteria.
• Holiday plants: Popular seasonal plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Whenever possible, choose pet-friendly décor (e.g., shatterproof ornaments, artificial plants, flameless candles), and place hazardous items out of reach.

4. Doors, Deliveries & Escapes

Holiday parties mean more people coming and going — which increases the risk of accidental escapes.

How to reduce risks:

• Use baby gates or pet gates near entryways or busy doorways.
• Ensure your dog wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags or is microchipped, especially if guests are opening doors frequently.
• Keep a close eye on pets during greetings or when guests bring packages — dogs may dart out unexpectedly.

5. Give Your Dog Something to Do

A busy dog is a safe dog! Mental and physical enrichment can help prevent mischief during gatherings.

Try:

• Frozen treat toys (like a KONG filled with dog-safe stuffing)
• Lick mats or safe chew toys
• A long walk or energetic play session before guests arrive

Providing this kind of stimulation helps your pet work off nervous energy — and lowers the chance they’ll snoop around the food table or decorations.

6. Know When It’s Time for Camp

If your holiday plans involve long events, out-of-town travel, or more chaos than your dog enjoys, remember the option to board them or treat them to daycare at Camp Run-A-Mutt. Our cage-free environment, trained staff, and all-day play make camp a great alternative to leaving your dog in the middle of the holiday hustle.

7. Emergency Prep: Just in Case

We hope you never need these — but it’s always smart to be prepared.

Have these on hand:

• Your veterinarian’s holiday hours
• Contact info for the nearest 24/7 emergency vet
• Pet-safe first aid supplies
• A list of common toxins (foods, plants, décor) and their symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, drooling, restlessness, etc.)

Quick action can make a big difference.

Holiday Cheer Is Better with Safe, Happy Dogs

The holidays are meant to be joyful for every member of the family — including the furry ones. With a bit of planning and awareness, your dog can enjoy the season right alongside you.

From our entire pack at Camp Run-A-Mutt, we wish you and your pups a safe, fun, and festive holiday season!