Holiday Safety Reminder: Why Drinking and Dogs Do Not Mix
The holidays are approaching quickly, and many people are getting ready for parties, family gatherings, and celebrations. While enjoying the season, it is important to remember something most dog owners do not think about. Drinking alcohol and spending time with your dog do not mix, and the risks are higher during busy holiday events.
Even the friendliest, most well-trained dog can become stressed or defensive when their environment changes and their humans are acting differently. Alcohol affects how you move, react, speak, and interact, and your dog notices every bit of it.
How Alcohol Changes Your Behavior and What Your Dog Sees
When you have been drinking, several things shift:
Your body language
The way your voice sounds
Your balance and coordination
Your reaction time
Your ability to recognize your dog’s stress signals
What feels like harmless fun to you can be confusing or overwhelming for your dog. Dogs rely on predictable body language and consistency. When that changes, they may feel unsure or anxious.
Why Accidents Happen More Easily
Alcohol lowers awareness and judgment, which makes it easier to:
Step on your dog
Trip or fall near them
Play too rough without realizing
Miss signs that your dog is uncomfortable
Allow behavior you normally would prevent
A dog that is confused or stressed can react defensively. This is not because the dog is aggressive for no reason. It is simply because they are responding to an unpredictable situation created by human behavior.
Hosting a Holiday Gathering? Create a Safe Space
If friends or family will be drinking in your home, the safest option is to give your dog a quiet and secure place away from the activity. This can include:
A closed room
Their crate with busy bone to occupy them
A space where guests cannot disturb them
This prevents your dog from becoming overwhelmed and protects guests from accidental interactions that could go wrong.
Your dog depends on you to make safe choices. Save playtime and hands-on interaction for when you are completely sober and focused.
Final Thoughts
Holiday celebrations should be enjoyable and safe for both people and pets. By creating a calm space for your dog during gatherings and being mindful about drinking around them, you can prevent stress, confusion, and avoidable accidents. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your dog happy, confident, and protected during the holiday season.
