Festive Dog Safety: Foods to Avoid, Safe Treats to Feed, and Household Hazards to Watch This Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, the internet becomes flooded with lists of “dangerous foods for dogs.” While these warnings can help protect our pets, many lists are riddled with inaccuracies or fail to highlight the festive foods that can actually benefit your dog’s health.

To address this, I created “My Naughty ’n Nice Christmas Foods for Your Dogs”—a comprehensive guide to keep your furry friend safe while sharing the joy of holiday treats. The “Nice Foods” section highlights nutrient-rich options perfect for your dog’s wellbeing, detailing their key benefits and how to serve them safely. The “Naughty Foods” section explains why certain holiday staples can be harmful or even fatal for dogs, providing you with the knowledge you need to protect them.

You’ll also find practical tips to safeguard your dog from sneaking dangerous snacks during the festivities. Whether it’s keeping treats out of reach or ensuring guests know what’s safe to share, these insights will help you create a happy and safe Christmas for your pup.

Check out the full list below to make informed choices this holiday season—and remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy!

12 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe at Christmas

The festive season is a time for joy, but it also brings unique challenges when it comes to keeping our dogs safe. From tempting treats to bustling gatherings, Christmas can present many hidden dangers to our furry friends. To help ensure your dog has a happy and safe holiday, I’ve compiled 12 essential tips to navigate this festive time responsibly.

These tips cover everything from managing food hazards to creating a calming environment for your dog during parties. We’ve also included reminders about potentially dangerous decorations, food-based gifts, and even the importance of having emergency contact numbers ready. Staying vigilant and planning ahead can save you from an emergency vet visit and make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone, including your four-legged family member.

Here are 12 actionable tips to keep your dog safe this Christmas:

1. Check Gifts for Food Hazards

Before placing any presents under the tree, ask the gifter if the package contains any food. This precaution helps avoid emergency vet visits caused by your dog unwrapping a posh box of chocolates or other harmful treats.

2. Mind Their Christmas Dinner

While it’s tempting to plate up a festive meal for your dog, remember their nutritional needs differ from ours. Vegetables should only make up 10% of their daily diet, and holiday staples like stuffing, glazed hams, onions, and gravy can be toxic. Keep some plain veggies aside before seasoning or adding fats, and avoid overindulgence—high-fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis, which is potentially fatal.

3. Watch Out for Crackers

If your dog is anxious around loud noises, be mindful of their proximity when using Christmas crackers. Noise phobia can lead to bolting and injuries, so keep them in a safe space when the festivities begin.

4. Secure Snacks and Sweets

Bowls of snacks, sweets, and nuts left unsupervised are irresistible to dogs. Always keep these treats out of paw’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion of harmful ingredients.

5. Dispose of Cooked Carcasses Safely

Only raw meaty bones are safe for dogs, so cooked carcasses should go straight in the bin. Alternatively, save the bones to make a nutritious turkey bone broth for your dog.

6. Keep Food-Based Decorations Out of Reach

Decorations made from food—like salt dough ornaments, candy canes, and chocolate treats—should be placed high on the tree or out of reach. Tinsel and ribbon also pose choking and obstruction hazards, so use them sparingly or ensure they’re inaccessible.

7. Hide Cheese and Biscuits

Keep cheese boards out of sight, including any grapes, which are highly toxic to dogs.

8. Skip the Smoked Salmon

Don’t be tempted to share smoked salmon scraps from your champagne breakfast, as they can upset your dog’s stomach.

9. Avoid Dangerous Plants

Festive plants like mistletoe, potpourri, poinsettias, pine, and holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation. Use artificial alternatives or place real plants well out of reach.

10. Create a Safe Space During Gatherings

If your dog struggles with anxiety or large crowds, consider letting them stay with a trusted friend or neighbor during parties. If they’re staying home, ensure they have a quiet, safe space to retreat to. For mild anxiety, natural calming aids like Phytopet Calm Xtra or homeopathic remedies like Aconite 30c can help.

11. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Keep your local emergency vet’s number handy and note poison helplines such as the Animal Poison Helpline (UK) at 01202 509000 or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (US) at (888) 426-4435. This ensures you’re ready to act quickly if your dog ingests something harmful. This handy chocolate toxicity calculator can help you assess the risk if your dog has consumed chocolate - use with caution and do not hesitate to contact your emergency vet if your dog has consumed anything toxic.

12. Watch Out for Vegetable Glycerin in Treats

Many holiday treats contain vegetable glycerin, which can cause diarrhea in even small amounts. Check the ingredients of treats, especially those gifted by others, and ensure they align with your dog’s usual diet.

Christmas Battery Safety Tips for Dog Owners – Keep Your Dogs Safe This Festive Season

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it also brings hidden dangers for our furry friends. Batteries, commonly found in Christmas toys, decorations, and gadgets, can pose a serious risk to dogs if ingested. Here are some essential tips to keep your dog safe from batteries this Christmas.

Why Are Batteries Dangerous for Dogs?

Batteries contain toxic chemicals and can cause severe internal damage if chewed or swallowed. Button batteries are particularly hazardous as they can lodge in the throat or cause life-threatening burns in the digestive tract.

Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe from Batteries

1. Store Batteries Securely: Keep spare and used batteries in a safe, dog-proof container, far from your pet’s reach.

2. Watch for Button Batteries: These small, coin-shaped batteries are easy for dogs to swallow and can cause significant harm.

3. Dispose of Batteries Properly: Used batteries can still pose a risk. Ensure they are disposed of promptly in a secure bin.

4. Check Your Decorations and Toys: Inspect all battery-powered items for loose or exposed batteries before putting them within reach of pets.

5. Secure Battery Compartments: Make sure battery compartments on toys, remotes, and decorations are tightly closed and cannot be opened by curious dogs.

6. Supervise Playtime: When children play with battery-operated toys, ensure batteries aren’t left unattended where your dog could access them.

7. Know the Warning Signs: If your dog chews or ingests a battery, they may exhibit symptoms like drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or abdominal pain. Contact your veterinarian immediately in such cases.

Protect Your Dog This Christmas

By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season while keeping your dog safe. A little extra planning goes a long way in protecting your furry friend from common holiday hazards!

The Naughty List 

Christmas is a time for indulgence, but it’s essential to remember that some festive foods can be incredibly dangerous—or even fatal—for your dog. Below is our Naughty List of holiday foods to avoid feeding your dog, complete with explanations of why they’re harmful.

1. Mince Pies, Pumpkin Pies, Stollen & Christmas Pudding

These festive desserts often contain raisins, currants, sultanas, and grapes, which are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to severe kidney failure. Additionally, these treats are packed with sugar, suet, alcohol, and flour, which can harm your dog’s digestive system.

Key takeaway: Keep all fruit-based Christmas desserts well out of paw’s reach.

2. Gravy

Gravy may seem like a harmless addition to your dog’s meal, but it is often high in salt and may contain onions or onion powder, both of which are toxic to dogs. Excessive salt can lead to sodium poisoning, while onions can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

Key takeaway: Skip the gravy and opt for plain, unsalted bone broth if you want to treat your dog.

3. Cheese, Cream & Brandy Butters/Creams

As Christmas approaches, it’s important to keep festive foods like cheese boards, creamy desserts, and buttery mashed potatoes away from your dog. Dogs aren’t equipped to digest dairy due to casein (milk protein) and lactose (milk sugar), which can cause itchy skin, allergies, and leaky gut syndrome. While goat’s milk kefir is a dog-friendly alternative packed with probiotics and minimal lactose, it’s not suitable for every dog, especially those with sensitivities.

Key takeaway: Stick to dog-safe dairy alternatives like goat’s milk kefir if your dog can tolerate it.

4. Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions and other herbs, which are toxic to dogs. Its high fat and sodium content can also lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis.

Key takeaway: Avoid stuffing at all costs—it’s one of the biggest holiday hazards for dogs.

5. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain the highest levels, but even milk chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and, in severe cases, death.

Key takeaway: Store all chocolate gifts and desserts safely out of reach.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol has a dangerous impact on dogs, causing a decline in their immune system and altering blood chemistry, which can lead to metabolic acidosis (a condition where the blood becomes dangerously acidic).

Key takeaway: Keep drinks and alcohol-infused desserts away from curious snouts.

7. Xylitol

This artificial sweetener, commonly found in sugar-free gum and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs. It triggers a sudden release of insulin, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Xylitol is also known by the following names:

• Birch sugar 

• Wood sugar 

• Birch bark extract 

• 1,4-anhydro-d-xylitol 

• Anhydroxylitol 

• Xylite 

• Xylitylglucoside 

• Zylatol

Key takeaway: Avoid any sugar-free foods or treats containing xylitol.

8. Salt Dough

Salt dough ornaments are a hidden holiday danger. Ingesting even small amounts of salt dough can cause severe sodium poisoning, leading to seizures or even death.

Key takeaway: Hang salt dough decorations high up on your tree or avoid them altogether.

9. Rawhide

While often marketed as a dog treat, rawhide is processed with harmful chemicals and can cause choking, blockages, or other digestive issues.

Key takeaway: Skip rawhide entirely and opt for safer chew alternatives like raw meaty bones.

Click here to download the rawhide dangers graphic

10. Smoked Foods (Gammon, Glazed Hams, Smoked Salmon)

Smoked and cured foods are packed with salt, nitrates, and nitrites, which are harmful to dogs. Consuming these can lead to salt poisoning or kidney problems.

Key takeaway: Keep smoked foods far away from your dog’s plate.

11. Nuts

Not all nuts are safe for dogs.

• Toxic nuts: Macadamia and black walnuts nuts can cause vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Black walnuts are native to North America and Canada.

• High-fat nuts: Brazil and walnuts nuts, while not toxic, are high in fats that can upset your dog’s stomach additionally prepackaged varieties can also contain additives like salt or other seasonings that can be harmful to our pets. Large amounts of salt can make a dog very sick. Walnuts can also sometimes be displayed shell on which may cause obstruction if ingested.

• Flavored nuts: Salted, honey-roasted, or spiced nuts can contain harmful ingredients.

• Old nuts: Moldy nuts are particularly dangerous due to the presence of mycotoxins.

Key takeaway: Avoid giving your dog any nuts during the holidays.

12. Baked Goods/Dairy-Based Desserts

Festive pies, bread, and creamy desserts often contain nutmeg, cream of tartar, or large amounts of sugar, all of which can harm your dog’s digestive system.

Key takeaway: Don’t share baked goods or desserts with your dog—most are unsafe.

13. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries themselves are safe for dogs, but cranberry sauce often contains sugar, alcohol, or other harmful additives.

Key takeaway: Stick to plain, unsweetened cranberries if you want to offer your dog a festive treat.

14. Candy Canes

Candy canes often contain xylitol and high amounts of sugar, both of which are harmful to dogs.

Key takeaway: Keep candy canes well out of reach.

15. Gingerbread

Gingerbread contains sugar, spices (like nutmeg and cinnamon), and sometimes xylitol, all of which can be harmful to dogs.

Key takeaway: Avoid gingerbread entirely during the holidays.

16. Pâté

Pâté is often high in fat and may contain ingredients like onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

Key takeaway: Skip pâté for your dog and opt for safer treats.

17. Grapes

Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure even in small quantities.

Key takeaway: Keep grapes well out of reach from your dog.

18. American Biscuits

American biscuits often contain added sugars and fats that can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Key takeaway: Avoid American biscuits during the holidays.

19. Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in blankets are wrapped in bacon, which is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

Key takeaway: Don’t share pigs in blankets with your dog.

20. Seasoned Prime Rib

Seasoned prime rib may contain garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs, and excess fats that can cause pancreatitis.

Key takeaway: Avoid seasoned prime rib for your dog.

21. Bread Sauce

Bread sauce often contains butter and seasoning that can be harmful to dogs.

Key takeaway: Keep bread sauce away from your dog.

22. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole can contain onions and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, as well as high-fat content.

Key takeaway: Avoid green bean casserole for your dog

23. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob can pose a choking hazard and may be difficult to digest for dogs, potentially causing blockages.

Key takeaway: Skip corn on the cob and opt for safer dog treats.

24. Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls often contain high levels of fat and seasoning, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis.

Key takeaway: Avoid sausage rolls for your dog.

25. Seasoned Salty Snacks (Pretzels, Ritz Biscuits, etc.)

These snacks are high in salt and can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs.

Key takeaway: Keep salty snacks away from your dog

26. Macaroni & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese often contain cheese, which can be hard for dogs to digest, and may include seasonings or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

Key takeaway: Don’t share macaroni and cheese with your dog.

27. Dinner Rolls/Biscuits

Dinner rolls and biscuits often contain sugar, butter, and seasoning that can be harmful to dogs.

Key takeaway: Skip dinner rolls and biscuits for your dog.

28. White Potatoes

White potatoes (including baked, mashed, or fried) are high in starch and can be hard for dogs to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Key takeaway: Avoid white potatoes during the holidays.

29. Nutmeg

Nutmeg, commonly found in holiday desserts, can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts, potentially leading to tremors, seizures, and changes in heart rate.

Key takeaway: Keep desserts with nutmeg well out of your dog’s reach

Important Note:

If your dog ingests any foods containing raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol, onions, or macadamia nuts, contact your out-of-hours vet immediately. Even small amounts of these foods can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Click here to download our festive forfeit & feed foods graphic.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

If your dog consumes any of the foods on this list—especially raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol, onions, or macadamia nuts—contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.

UK Poison Helpline: Animal Poison Helpline – 01202 509000

USA Poison Helpline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) – (888) 426-4435

The Nice List!

Christmas foods that are beneficial for your dog’s health

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to share some festive, dog-safe treats packed with health benefits. Below is a guide to Christmas foods that are not only safe but also incredibly nutritious for your furry friend.

Carrots

Carrots are a versatile, low-calorie snack that offer a range of health benefits for dogs:

Carotenoids - These powerful antioxidants fight free radical damage, supporting overall cellular health. Found in orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, they convert to retinol, a bioavailable form of Vitamin A. Benefits include:

• Eye health

• A strong immune system

• A healthy heart

Vitamin A - Vital for immunity, normal vision, and proper organ function, Vitamin A also supports healthy skin and slows aging.

Vitamin C - An antioxidant that promotes tissue repair, adrenal function, and immunity. It also aids calcium and iron absorption.

Vitamin K - Helps maintain healthy liver function and supports bone repair.

Potassium - Crucial for muscle function, a regular heart rhythm, and a balanced nervous system.

Tip: Serve raw carrot sticks as a crunchy treat or lightly steam them for easier digestion.

Cranberries

These festive berries are a superfood packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants:

• Vitamin C: Enhances immunity, reduces stress hormone production, and promotes healthy tissue repair.

• Flavonoids: May reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Some flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

• Manganese: Supports nerve health, bone growth, and blood sugar regulation.

• Fiber: Promotes gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.

• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage, supports heart health, and promotes healthy skin and coat.

Caution: Avoid cranberry sauces with added sugars or alcohol. Opt for plain, fresh cranberries.

Green Beans

These crunchy legumes are a great low-calorie addition to your dog’s diet:

• Vitamins A and C: Both support immunity and have antioxidant properties that slow aging and reduce inflammation. Vitamin A also aids eye health and bone formation.

• Manganese: Supports metabolism, bone health, and wound healing.

• Fiber: Promotes digestive health and regular bowel movements.

Moderation Note: Green beans are legumes, and overfeeding legumes may cause digestive issues, especially in dogs with heart problems. Serve in small amounts.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich, festive favorite for dogs:

• Vitamin A: One of the richest sources, supporting vision, skin, and immune health.

• Vitamin C: Aids immunity and tissue repair.

• Potassium: Helps regulate heart rhythm and muscle function.

• Fibre: Supports digestive health and gut bacteria.

• Low Calorie: A tasty, guilt-free treat.

Preparation Tip: Cook sweet potatoes (boiled or baked with the skin on) to maximize nutrient retention. Avoid seasoning or additives.

100g Baked Sweet Potato

86 calories 

0.1g of fat 

20 g of carbohydrates 

3 grams of fiber 

4 grams of sugar 

1.6 g of protein 

Potassium 337mg

Vitamin A 284%

B6 10%

Vitamin C 4%

A note on yams; Another popular thanksgiving food is yams - Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than yams. Sweet potatoes and yams are both healthy foods, and they look similar. Sweet potatoes, however, have higher concentrations of most nutrients and more fiber. We have not included them in our list as gram for gram compared to sweet potatoes they are a lot higher in carbohydrates and have more starch. 

Brussel Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are a nutrient powerhouse:

• Vitamin A: Promotes eye health, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Supports growth, digestion, and a healthy nervous system.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Aids red blood cell production and healthy skin.

• Vitamin C: Strengthens immunity and fights free radicals.

Caution: Overfeeding Brussels sprouts can cause gas due to their fiber content. Stick to small portions.

Broccoli

Broccoli is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties:

• Sulforaphane: Activates the Nrf2 pathway, which helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Carotenoids: Support eye and heart health.

• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and supports tissue repair.

Feeding Tip: Serve steamed broccoli to aid digestion and avoid choking hazards.

Red Cabbage

This colorful vegetable is a festive nutritional boost:

• Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immunity, and skin health.

• Vitamin C: Fights inflammation and supports tissue growth.

• Vitamin K: Aids in liver function and bone health.

• Choline: Supports brain, heart, and muscle function.

• Minerals: Includes calcium for strong bones and magnesium for cardiovascular health.

Preparation Tip: Lightly steam or shred raw red cabbage for easier digestion.

Turkey

White or dark meat is both fine to feed - Dogs absolutely love the taste of turkey, and it’s a very rich source of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and the amino acid tryptophan. Apart from these nutrients, it also contains zinc and vitamin B12. The skinless white meat of turkey is low in fat and is an excellent source of high protein.

It’s also highly digestible and great for dogs’ immune systems making this festive bird the perfect healthy treat for your dog. Along with any other 100% meats as long as they are not cooked with additional ingredients like goose fat etc. Feeding your dog a piece of seasoned turkey may irritate the gut and cause diarrhea and vomiting, or cause sodium poisoning.

• Nutrients: Includes riboflavin, niacin, zinc, and Vitamin B12 for energy, digestion, and immunity.

• Amino Acids: Tryptophan supports serotonin production, helping dogs feel calm and happy.

• Digestibility: Turkey is highly digestible and great for muscle health.

We recommend that you avoid feeding your dog the skin as this is usually where the highest amount of sodium and fat is stored and could cause some serious health issues for your pet. If you are going to feed the meat raw Remember supermarket meats should be frozen before feeding.

Don’t toss those turkey guts this Christmas! The heart, liver, and gizzard—that are often included in the turkey giblets—are nutritional powerhouses for dogs. These organs are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, zinc, and taurine, which support heart health, energy production, and overall wellbeing. Liver, in particular, is a superfood for dogs, offering a concentrated source of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune function.

When feeding giblets, cook them without seasoning or spices, or serve raw if your dog is accustomed to a raw diet. These nutrient-packed morsels are an excellent way to reduce food waste while giving your dog a holiday treat they’ll love! Remember to avoid feeding the neck if it’s cooked, as cooked bones can splinter and cause harm but it’s fantastic to serve raw! Learn more about feeding turkey necks and other raw meaty bones, here.

Key Takeaways

• Always serve these foods plain, avoiding seasonings, sauces, or high-fat ingredients.

• Introduce new foods slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions.

• Portion control is vital—even healthy foods can cause issues if overfed.

Healthy Christmas Treats for Dogs is an excellent way to make your pup feel part of the holiday cheer while ensuring they benefit nutritionally. Share these festive favorites responsibly, and your dog will thank you with wagging tails and happy licks!

Treat Your Dog to a Healthy Holiday Feast!

Want to make your dog their own healthy holiday meal? Click here to check out our festive recipe that can be served raw or gently cooked.

Commercially available meals for the festive season!

For those who want to celebrate the holidays with their dog but don’t have the time to prepare a homemade meal, don’t worry—there are plenty of healthy, commercially available options to make your pup feel extra special! From festive dinners to seasonal treats, many trusted brands in the USA, Canada, and the UK now offer ready-made holiday meals for dogs. These options are designed with canine health in mind, using wholesome ingredients and festive flair so your furry friend can join in on the celebrations safely and deliciously. In this chapter, we’ll highlight some of the best brands offering nutritious holiday dinners to keep your dog’s tail wagging!

USA

Open Farm - Gently Cooked Gobble 'Till You Wobble Gently Cooked Holiday Dinner

Portland Pet Food Company - Gently cooked Turkey & Yams

CANADA

Tom and Sawyer - Gently Cooked Turkey Gobbler

UK

Boost Pet - Gently Cooked Christmas Turkey and Cranberry Meal

Different Dog - Gently Cooked Festive Feast

Mcadams - Christmas Dinner Wet Dog Food

Nutriment - Raw Christmas Combo

Benyfit Natural - Raw Christmas Dinner

Mersey Raw - Raw Christmas dinners

Betsy’s - Raw Christmas dinner

Cotswold Raw - Raw Christmas dinner

Paleo Ridge - Christmas Dinner

In Summary

Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Christmas

When treating your dog to “human” food during the festive season, moderation is key—especially if these foods are just extras to their usual meals. Overindulgence isn’t just a concern for us; it can also lead to upset stomachs and other health issues for our furry friends. Festive dog treats, for example, often contain glycerin, which in large amounts can cause diarrhea and sickness.

If you’re planning to prepare a special Christmas meal for your dog, stick to the safe foods mentioned earlier in this guide and avoid the “naughty list” of dangerous ingredients. When including vegetables, remember that plant matter should make up no more than 20% of your dog’s daily diet. Since dogs’ digestive systems struggle to break down the cellulose in vegetables, you can make them easier to digest by steaming lightly or pureeing them raw.

If your holiday meal involves cooking vegetables with oils, salt, sugar, or other seasonings, set aside a portion to cook separately for your dog without these added ingredients. Just as we recommend feeding your dog the highest-quality meat you can afford, try to choose organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Organic produce helps minimize exposure to pesticide residues and toxic heavy metals, while also providing higher levels of beneficial antioxidants.

By following these tips and offering healthy, dog-safe options, you can ensure your canine companion enjoys the festive season as much as the rest of the family!

From all of us at THCKCS, we wish you and your canine companions happy holidays!