Holiday Safety Tips for Rover Sitters
Since the holidays are a busy season for our sitters, we want to make sure you’re prepared for all the extra excitement Just like us, dogs get excited about all those delicious smells coming from the kitchen)
Prevent Dog Escapes
If your holiday has you heading out the door more than usual to grab deliveries or swing by the grocery store, keep any eye out for potential escape artists!
If your Rover dog has a crate, let them chill in there during the busier parts of your day. It’ll help them feel comfortable while also keeping them safe. It’s a win-win!
Place a second barrier (like a baby gate) around doorways to the outside. Front door, back door, side door…all doors to the outside.
For the lowdown on how to keep dogs from escaping, check out our post on escape artists.
Keep pets away from poisonous plants
Poinsettia plants are a toxic plant but aren’t quite as scary as their reputation suggests. These can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The milky sap is irritating but often these signs will resolve on their own for dogs and cats both.
Dogs and cats can coexist with many beautiful plants and flowers safely. However, if you suspect your pet has ingested a plant that could make him or her sick, please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service. You can also review our poison plants guide.
Discourage counter surfing by keeping the treats out of reach
Some foods found in common holiday recipes are dangerous for pets. Here are the top foods to keep out of reach:
- onions
- garlic
- grapes
- chocolate
- alcohol
- caffeine
- poultry bones
- nuts
- yeast dough
If your Rover dog sneaks a bite of any of these foods, here’s what you do:
- Call their vet or an emergency vet (you can easily find the closest emergency vet on Google).
- Call our Trust & Safety team at 888-727-1140—we’re here 24/7 and will help you through it.
- Call the dog owner as soon as you have a minute.
Of course, avoiding exposing dogs to these foods in the first place will go a long way toward keeping your Rover dog safe.
Provide multiple areas with treats specifically for your Rover dog. No matter what, make sure you follow the training and treats that are approved by their pet parent. (Not sure how to get that info? Check out our Meet & Greet checklist.)
Keep Them Safe During Potty Breaks
Do a pre-inspection before your Rover dog comes to stay. Check your backyard for for holes (in the ground and in fences), any wobbles in your fence, and make sure your gate is secure.
Never leave dogs unattended outside. Even after you did your backyard safety check—and you determined that everything is secure—know that unfamiliar situations could cause them to dig, jump, or scratch their way through when they would normally stay close to home.
Finally, be mindful of cold weather. For more tips, check out this article on cold weather hazards.
These tips and tricks will help keep the holidays merry for everyone—including your Rover guest. Let’s make this a fun and safe holiday season.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.