Holiday Safety Tips for Big Ass Dogs (and Their Humans)

(AKA: How to Make It Through December Without a Vet Bill or a Broken Christmas Tree)

The holidays are a magical time — twinkling lights, festive food, cozy nights in… and absolutely zero awareness from your Big Ass Dog that any of this is fragile, dangerous, or not specifically designed for them.

So to help you survive the season, here’s your official Big Ass Dog Holiday Survival Guide — equal parts educational and “oh yeah, that totally already happened.”

Let’s break down the biggest risks and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Christmas Trees: The Ultimate Temptation

In your dog’s mind, the Christmas tree is:

• A giant stick

• Indoors

• Covered in toys

• Surrounded by crunchy paper

• Clearly placed there for their enjoyment

Real dangers:

• Knocked-over trees

• Broken ornaments

• Ingested needles

• Electrical cords

How to Big-Ass-Proof it:

• Secure the tree to the wall

• Use a heavy, stable base

• Avoid glass ornaments within tail-sweep height

• Tape extension cords to the wall

• Keep tinsel OUT of your home (trust us — intestinal blockages are no joke)

Bonus tip: Put a baby gate around the tree. Your dog will still stare at you like you’ve ruined Christmas, but at least the tree survives.

2. Holiday Foods: “Toxic But Delicious” Edition

Your pup will absolutely try to “help” in the kitchen.
Be prepared.

Foods that are dangerous for dogs:

• Chocolate

• Grapes/raisins

• Onions & garlic

• Alcohol

• Macadamia nuts

• Xylitol (found in sugar-free sweets)

• Unbaked dough (yes, really)

Sneaky culprits during holidays:

• Stuffing

• Rich gravies

• Turkey skin

• Candied nuts

• Fruitcake (though honestly, fruitcake is a danger to everyone)

Safe holiday treats:

• Plain turkey

• Sweet potatoes (unseasoned)

• Carrots

• Green beans

• A small lick of pumpkin puree

If you want to be the hero of the day, make your pup a “dog plate” so they don’t feel left out.

3. Holiday Plants: Pretty Poison

Some festive plants are gorgeous… and dangerous.

Toxic to dogs:

• Poinsettias (mildly toxic, but still irritating)

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Amaryllis

• Pine needles (irritant if eaten)

Solution:

Go artificial. Your dog won’t know the difference, and your vet bill will thank you.

4. Candles, Fireplaces, and Cozy Chaos

A wagging tail is nature’s most effective candle extinguisher.

Be cautious with:

• Scented candles

• Wax warmers

• Open flames

• Decorative fire bowls

• Tabletop trees with candles (why do people still own these?)

Tips:

• Keep flames out of tail range

• Consider flameless LED candles

• Use baby gates around fireplaces

5. Decorative Dangers: Shiny Things, Bad Decisions

Big Ass Dogs LOVE:

• String

• Ribbon

• Wrapping paper

• Glitter

• Plastic ornaments

• Anything that makes crinkle noises

• Anything you told them not to touch

Be especially careful with:

• Ribbon (can bunch in intestines)

• Soft plastic ornaments (choking hazard)

• Batteries (toxic if chewed)

• Snowglobes (many contain antifreeze)

Yes, we know — holiday décor is basically a minefield.

6. Guests: The Biggest Wildcard of All

Not your dog — the humans.

Visitors often:

• Leave doors open

• Give unsafe treats

• Bring toxic foods

• Scream when greeted by a 150-lb love missile

Pre-holiday prep:

• Remind guests not to feed the dog

• Let them know your dog is friendly but extra

• Set up a quiet room for your pup if needed

• Keep high-value treats handy for redirection

7. Cold Weather & Outdoor Safety

Winter brings its own risks, especially for giant breeds with sensitive joints.

Watch out for:

• Ice (slip injuries)

• Salted sidewalks (paw irritation)

• Rapid temperature changes

• Overexertion in snow

• Antifreeze spills (highly toxic)

A Big Ass Dog in pain is heartbreaking — so keep those paws clean and those joints supported.

8. Traveling with a Big Ass Dog for the Holidays

If you’re loading a Mastiff, Dane, Pyr, or other Big Ass Dog into the car… you’re already winning the “most effort expended” award.

Travel tips:

• Use a harness or crash-tested crate

• Pack extra water (they drink like camels)

• Bring a spare blanket or bed

• Stop every few hours

• Keep food consistent to avoid stomach drama

• Have vet records handy

And please — NEVER leave them in a cold car alone.

9. Managing Extra Energy (AKA: Holiday Zoomies)

Too much excitement + too many guests + too many snacks = chaos.

Solutions:

• Give them puzzle toys

• Schedule a long walk before guests arrive

• Offer a designated “quiet toy” when overstimulated

• Create a comfy retreat space

A tired dog is a calm dog.
A calm dog is a tree-respecting dog.
A tree-respecting dog is… rare, but hey, we can dream.

10. Emergency Checklist: Just in Case

Save this somewhere:

Holiday Vet Safety Kit

• Vet contact

• Nearest emergency vet

• Hydrogen peroxide (for vet-directed instruction only)

• Tweezers

• Gauze

• Saline

• Benadryl (ask your vet for dosage)

• Copy of vaccination records

Preparation makes emergencies far less chaotic.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Holidays — Without the Drama

The holidays should be joyful — not stressful — and with a little planning (okay, maybe a lot of planning), you and your Big Ass Dog can enjoy the season safely.

Decorate boldly.
Celebrate deeply.
Guard your cookies carefully.
And give your pup some extra love… they’ve earned it.

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