Fun

10 Tips For Creating A Dog Friendly Home For The Holidays

Written by: Melina Giakas

November 23, 2015

There are millions of animals in need of homes, which is why Swiffer® and Bark have teamed up to help make the barriers to adoption – like the clean-up – less of a challenge. Together, we are providing 10,000 Welcome Home Kits to participating shelters across the country to show how easy it is to get a thorough clean in minutes so more families can experience the love of a first pet. To find a participating shelter near you, click here! Are you already a new pet owner? Share your “Welcome Home” experience with Swiffer and @BarkBox using #ShedHappens.

The holiday season is filled with great food, parties, decorations, and desserts. Unfortunately most of these things can be dangerous for your dog and young pups. Here are a few tips for keeping your two and four-legged family members safe.

1. Keep toys out of paws reach.
Dogs are monsters of destruction when it comes to tearing apart tiny human toys. Small pieces can also be extremely dangerous if swallowed.

chew toys

2. Consider installing cabinet locks.
Dogs have a few tricks up their paws when it comes to breaking and entering. Make sure to install locks to puppy-proof those drawers to avoid situations like this…

eat

3. Decorations could be hazardous.
Swallowing tinsel, ribbons, and other holiday décor items can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and even surgery. Make sure to keep these items away from curious tail-waggers. If any decorations do break, be sure to Swiffer up and also vacuum any of the remaining pieces.

new swiffer ornament

4. Store away batteries.
Batteries are extremely dangerous as they can lead to burns to the mouth and esophagus if punctured.

battery new

5. Holiday plants may be toxic.
Holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are naturally toxic for your dog. To preserve them throughout the holidays plants may be treated with chemicals, making it that much more dangerous for your pup.

holiday plants

6. Watch out for cords and wires.
Wires and cords may look something fun to chew on for a curious pooch but can lead to a potentially lethal electrical shock.

janessa3 new

7. Keep ornaments out of sight.
Ornaments might look like fun balls to chase around, but they can be dangerous if they break. Small pieces can injure your pup’s paw or do more damage if ingested.

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8. Clean up gift wrapping materials.
The crinkling noise may make wrapping paper and ribbon seem like the prime toys for your pup. However gift wrapping items such as bows, wrapping paper, stickers and tissue paper are dinnertime no nos.

lights new

9. Human food can be dangerous for pups.
Holiday food such as sweets and small bones can be harmful for dogs. Make sure all guests are also aware of this so no tricksters try and sneak any canines something they shouldn’t be eating.

food

10. Create a dog friendly space.
Puppies are eager to chew anything they can find. Making the selection slimmer will help your pup stay safe and keep your paw-sonal items in tack. If certain rooms are going to be dangerous for your dog you may want to keep these places off limits. Creating a dog friendly spot in an easy way to control what your dog has access to and also making sure they don’t feel overwhelmed.

dog sleep

Featured image via Janessa Morton Resendes, Tara Renaud Photography 

 This post is brought to you by our pals at Swiffer®. Are you a new pet owner? Share your “Welcome Home” experience with Swiffer and @BarkBox using #ShedHappens.

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Written by: Melina Giakas

November 23, 2015

Nutritionist-crafted food for your dog's breed or mix.

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INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.