Keeping your dog safe over the holidays

Thanksgiving and the holiday season bring family, friends, delicious food, and plenty of excitement—but they can also create unexpected hazards for our Boston Terriers. A little planning can help keep your four-legged family members safe, comfortable, and out of trouble!

🍗 Watch Those Holiday Treats

It’s tempting to share a little taste of Thanksgiving dinner with those adorable begging eyes staring up at you. However, many holiday favorites can be dangerous for dogs. Avoid giving your Boston turkey skin, bones, drippings, gravy, fatty foods, stuffing, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, nuts, alcohol, or bread dough. Corn cobs can also cause dangerous intestinal blockages. Even foods that aren't toxic can upset sensitive stomachs or lead to pancreatitis. Keep food, plates, trash, and leftovers safely out of reach, and remind guests not to sneak your pup a treat!

🐾 Beware of Holiday Overstimulation

A house full of visitors, unfamiliar dogs, excited children, and unusual noises can be overwhelming for even the most social Boston Terrier. Dogs can experience trigger stacking when several stressful or exciting events happen close together. Each experience adds to their stress until they reach their limit. A dog who normally tolerates barking, visitors, or children may react differently when several triggers pile up in one day.

Watch for signs of stress, such as yawning, lip licking, panting, pacing, turning away, hiding, or growling. Give your dog permission to take a break before reaching that breaking point.

🏡 Create a Safe Retreat

Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your Boston can relax away from the festivities. A crate, bedroom, or gated area with a cozy bed, fresh water, and a favorite toy can provide a much-needed escape. Supervise interactions with children and visiting pets, and never force your dog to socialize. Make sure doors and gates stay secure as guests arrive and leave.

❤️ A Happy Holiday Is a Safe Holiday

Our Bostons depend on us to protect them, even when the holiday excitement takes over. Keep tempting foods out of reach, respect your dog's limits, and provide plenty of quiet time. If your dog gets into something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline promptly.