The holidays can be fun for everyone. Unfortunately, the changes in routine and the coming and going of visitors can be stressful for our pets.

Dog bites are a common occurrence during the holiday season.  While young children are at greater risk of being bitten by dogs, your guests are also at risk. You don’t want to spend the Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve in the emergency room, don’t you?

There are a lot of things you can do to prevent dog bites, not only this holiday season, but all year round. Here are some of them.

Condition you dog for the world

Proper socialization is the key to reduce the risk of aggression and dog bites. Make sure that your dog is well-socialized. This way, you can be sure that your dog shall behave well around other people.

Place the dog in a separate room

Most dogs get anxious when they see unfamiliar faces. If you are expecting lots of guests this holiday, we suggest placing her in a crate or in a separate room. This is for the safety of everyone.

If the dog appears threatened, let her stay in a calm, quiet room until everyone has gone. This is to ensure that she doesn’t have an opportunity to bite someone.

Supervise your dog around children

Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites. In most cases, they require medical attention. Children should be supervised, especially when interacting with the dog. Never assume that your dog is good with kids. Remember, even the smallest, most friendly dog might bite if provoked.

Exercise

Take your dog to the park or go on a long walk before the party. Not only is it necessary for physical conditioning, it also helps reduce stress. Dogs are also less likely to act out when they are tired.