Whether you’re already raising a lovable puppy, or you’re expecting an extra-special gift this Christmas, you might have some idea of just how much preparation you need to make sure your home is completely safe for your new pup. No matter how dog-proof you think your household is, however, the excitement of the Christmas period can present a whole new challenge when it comes to keeping your dog calm, and your home in one piece.
Be aware of chewable items
Especially during Christmastime when you have more decorations and delicious snacks around, your puppy can easily get over-excited, and so is more likely to jump up and explore. Rich Christmas foods like cheese and chocolate can be dangerous to your dog if eaten in large quantities, not to mention the issues caused if your puppy swallows shatterable decorations. To help your pet become familiar with the new bits and bobs in their home, introduce them to your new Christmas decorations slowly, one by one. Helping your dog get used to the additions in their space will stop your dog from experiencing too much overexcitement over the Christmas period, as well as giving you peace of mind that they won’t be swallowing anything they shouldn’t.
Give your pup their own space
Your dog needs a special place they can call their own, not just during the Christmas period, but all year round. Helping them feel safe and at home in their own kennel, cabin or dog bed means they can settle down when they need to, and find some peace away from the festive excitement. A designated kennel or sleeping space also helps you keep your puppy somewhere sturdy and secure when you need to, without compromising their happiness. From eco-friendly kennels to luxury cabins, Benchmark Kennels have a wide range of customisable homes on offer, to keep your pup healthy, happy and warm over the winter months. Investing in a space your animal can relax in lets you both have time along when you need it.
Keep chemicals out of reach
Excitable puppies can race around your house without any concept of what’s dangerous to them. Storing kitchen and bathroom cleaners, medication and food in higher cupboards will help keep any potentially harmful products out of sight and out of mind from your dog. If you don’t have room to store everything up high, you could consider installing child locks on your cupboard, to stop any curious noses sniffing when your back is turned. Around Christmastime when there’s likely to be more people in your home, it’s worth keeping as many doors shut as possible too. That way, your pup won’t be able to scrabble around anywhere they shouldn’t be.
Make sure you have treats on standby
If you’re struggling to stay active and energetic this winter, the chances are that your puppy’s feeling the effects of shorter days too! In the colder months, your dog will need more calories to stay warm. Stocking up on treats and snacks will help keep your puppy’s spirits up in the run up to Christmas, as well as ensuring they have as much energy as they need. On Christmas Day, popping a present for your pup under the tree is also a great way to make sure they feel loved and part of the family, without running into any trouble while you’re preoccupied.
Don’t forget the garden
While you’re focusing on making sure your home is puppy-proofed, think about your garden too. Even while your pup might not spend as much time as usual outside during the cold season, it’s still crucial that your garden is a safe space they can roam and sniff around freely.
The first thing to consider when you’re inspecting the garden is the fence or area surrounding it – your fence needs to be sturdy and secure, without any gaps inquisitive pups can wriggle through, and high enough that they can’t jump over. If you have a pond, check it’s not too deep for your dog to accidentally fall into. The green-fingered among us should be wary that any insect-repellents may also be harmful to your dog too, so be sure to check the labels and ingredients thoroughly.
