Ultimate Holiday Guide for Dog Owners
Quick Guide: 1. Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
You know Dasher (the dog that bolts out the front door), Dancer (the dog that jumps on every single guest), Prancer (the anxious dog that jumps at the slightest noise or movement), and Vixen (the dog that counter-surfs and eats everything in sight).
But do you recall… your dog successfully when it matters? Like when Aunt Linda leaves the front door open, and your dog is about to make a break for it? Or when the freshly baked honey ham is left on the edge of the stove, and you can see your dog’s nose sniffing way too close for comfort?
The holiday season is a magical kind of chaos, but all your dog knows is that they’re routine is off, suddenly there’s a big tree inside that is off limits, and guests are in and out with food that they can’t eat.
This guide covers everything you need to know as a dog owner getting through the holidays, from safe (and toxic) food lists, safety tips, and gift guides. Enjoy the holidays with your dog instead of apologizing for them.
1. Holiday Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
Share this with your family so you don't have to repeat yourself 19 times. Safe foods should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Foods Dogs Can Have (In moderation)
• Turkey (plain, no seasoning, no skin, no bones)
• Plain mashed potatoes (no butter, garlic, or dairy-loaded mix)
• Pumpkin purée (unsweetened, not to be confused with pumpkin pie mix)
• Green beans (plain)
• Apples (no seeds)
• Carrots
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Rice (plain, cooked, white rice only)
Foods Dogs Need to Avoid (Non-Negotiable)
• Turkey skin, cooked bones, gravy (digestive upset and choking risk)
• Onions, garlic, stuffing (toxic)
• Grapes, raisins (kidney failure)
• Chocolate (no explanation needed)
• Alcohol (digestive, cardiovascular, and all around toxic)
• Yeast dough (expands in their stomach)
• Artificial sweeteners (xylitol) (extremely deadly)
• Rich, fatty foods (pancreatitis waiting to happen)
If someone says, “Just a little won’t hurt,” the answer is STILL no.
2. Holiday Safety Tips
Christmas trees are waiting to be peed on. Glass ornaments are waiting to be stepped on. Fake snow is waiting to be inhaled. Holidays are basically an obstacle course for dogs.
Christmas Tree Risks
Tree water contains preservatives. Don’t let them drink it.
• Fallen needles can cause irritated skin if stepped on or gastrointestinal blockages of inhaled
• Glass ornaments are chew toys with shrapnel. Hang them above tail level or block the tree off to keep your pup from knocking them down.
• Tinsel can cause severe gastrointestinal blockages and requires emergency surgery to remove. Keep it above tail level as well.
• Same goes for lights… don’t let your dog start chewing and get electrocuted.
Tip: Keep ornaments above tail level and block off the tree if you have a young or chaotic dog.
Decor & Household Dangers
Toxic plants include poinsettias, lilies, holly, mistletoe.
Place candles out of reach so your dog can’t knock them down. Don’t forget to blow them out before leaving the house.
Pick up wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, and scissors off the floor after packing. These chew toys are NOT safe.
Visitors & Stress
Dogs don’t magically “behave” just because you have guests. Guests throw off their routine.
Create a bed/place cue so your dog has a spot to settle.
If your dog struggles with boundaries, use a crate. Not as punishment, but as structure.
Tell visitors: “Ignore the dog until they settle.” No baby talk, no hype.
Travel Safety
Use a crate or seatbelt harness. 60% of dog owners say they’re more distracted on the road when their dogs are unrestrained.
Bring familiar food so you’re not dealing with explosive holiday diarrhea. Even one different meal can upset a dog’s stomach if they’re not used to it.
Don’t expect your dog to relax in a brand-new environment without guidance.
3. Training Reminders During the Holidays
Most dogs behave worse during the holidays because owners loosen up, when routine and structure is more important than ever.
Here’s what not to slack on:
1. Structure. Keep feeding, walking, and training times as close to normal as possible.
2. Place Training, AKA the holiday MVP. A strong “place” prevents counter-surfing, chaos, jumping on guests, and begging.
3. Threshold Manners. Doorways will make or break your sanity. Practice door manners BEFORE your guests arrive.
4. Don’t Stop Corrections. Holidays don’t mean a break from the rules, and “positive only” doesn’t magically work because it’s December.
4. “What To Do If Your Dog…” Mini-Guides
1. …Eats Something They Shouldn’t
Check ingredients.
Call your vet or poison control.
Don’t wait to see “if they seem fine.” Know the signs.
2. …Won’t Settle with Guests
Use crate time to reset their brain.
Give them a job (place, heel, hold).
Ask guests not to hype them up.
3. …Guards Food or Toys
Holidays come with a lot of stimulation, treats, and new toys. Set boundaries early: no high-value items in chaotic environments.
Feed your dog in their kennel.
4. …Begins Counter Surfing
Leash them inside the house to easily redirect.
Work on impulse control.
Remember that prevention is a correction.
5. Gift Ideas for Dog Owners
For Your Dog
A proper training session package
Long-line leash for recall practice
Durable chew toys
Options that are less likely to damage teeth: Goughnuts, Black Kongs
Natural hard chew options: Moose Paddles, Antlers, Filled Bones, Beef Hooves and Yak Cheese chews
Elevated dog bed (for place training)
A crate upgrade
For Yourself
A vacuum that can survive a German Shepherdc
Treat pouch (you’ll finally look like you know what you're doing)
Quality rain-proof training jacket
Gift card to your trainer (consistency pays off)
6. Winter Workout Ideas
Indoor Options
Treadmill work
Tug sessions with rules
Place-to-place drills
Obedience reps
Outdoor Options
Short fetch sessions
Snow hikes (if safe)
Doggy backpack walks for extra output
When it’s too cold or dark to head outside, indoor mental stimulation is just as exhausting for dogs.
Enjoyed the Holiday Guide for Dog Owners? Get a Free Training Consultation!
A trained dog is safer, calmer, and more enjoyable. If you and your pup can nail the obedience during the holidays, the rest of the year will feel like a breeze. If you need help nailing the basics, reach out the Phantom K9 Training for a free consultation.
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