How do I keep my pug safe during holidays and when guests visit?
Follow these 5 steps to ensure your pug stays comfortable and safe during the holiday season and when guests come over. Keep your pug's space at 75°F (24°C) to prevent overheating.
Summer Heat Safety
Pugs are brachycephalic, meaning they have a shorter snout and can overheat easily. Keep your pug in a cool environment with temperatures no higher than 75°F (24°C).
Avoid leaving your pug in a parked car, even with the windows down, as temperatures can rise quickly to over 100°F (38°C) within minutes. Provide plenty of shade and fresh water during outdoor activities.
Limit exercise during the hottest parts of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to prevent overheating.
- Keep indoor temperatures below 75°F (24°C)
- Avoid car travel during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Provide shade and water during outdoor activities
- Use a fan or air conditioner to maintain cool temperatures
- Offer ice cubes for your pug to chew on
Winter Temperature and Daylight
In winter, maintain a consistent indoor temperature of 70°F (21°C) to keep your pug comfortable.
Ensure your pug has access to a warm, dry sleeping area. A heated bed or a thick blanket can be helpful.
Adjust your pug's exercise routine to avoid cold-weather hazards, like ice and snow, by taking shorter walks and avoiding slippery surfaces.
- Keep indoor temperatures at 70°F (21°C)
- Provide a warm, dry sleeping area
- Adjust exercise to avoid cold-weather hazards
- Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air
- Avoid leaving your pug outside for extended periods
Seasonal Hazards
Be cautious of holiday plants like poinsettias and holly, which can be toxic to pugs. Keep these plants out of reach.
Guests may bring unfamiliar foods or treats that could be harmful to your pug. Monitor their food intake closely.
Fireworks and loud noises can be stressful for pugs. Keep them in a quiet, safe room during fireworks and celebrations.
- Avoid poinsettias and holly
- Monitor guests' food and treats
- Keep pugs in a quiet room during fireworks
- Provide a comforting blanket or toy for your pug during loud events
- Keep your pug away from open flames and candles
Holiday Checklist
Before the holiday, check your home for potential hazards like electrical cords and small objects that could be swallowed.
Ensure your pug has identification tags and a microchip in case they escape.
Prepare a safe space for your pug to retreat to when guests are over. This should be a quiet room with their bed, water, and toys.
- Check for home hazards
- Ensure identification tags and microchip
- Prepare a safe retreat area
- Secure all windows and doors to prevent escape
- Provide fresh water and a bowl of food in the safe space
Handling Holiday Guests
When guests arrive, introduce them to your pug slowly and calmly. Not all dogs are comfortable with new people.
Supervise interactions between your pug and guests to ensure they are not overwhelmed or stressed.
Offer treats or toys to guests to keep their attention away from your pug's food or belongings.
- Introduce guests slowly to your pug
- Supervise interactions to prevent stress
- Provide distractions for guests to reduce attention on your pug
- Keep your pug on a leash during introductions
- Offer treats for guests to hold to keep them engaged
Keep reading about Pug: Pug care sheet
Related questions
How often should I check the temperature in my pug's environment?
Check the temperature at least twice a day, especially during extreme weather conditions.
How long can a pug safely be left alone during a holiday party?
Leave your pug in a safe, quiet room for no longer than 4 hours at a time.
What should I do if my pug overheats?
Move your pug to a cool area, apply cool, wet towels to their body, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
How can I keep my pug calm during fireworks?
Create a safe, dark room with a comforting blanket and turn on a white noise machine to help mask the sound of fireworks.
What should I do if I suspect my pug has eaten something toxic?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Time is critical in treating toxicity.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your pug is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.