If you're in the process of planning your upcoming holiday parties, don't forget about your dogs. With all the guests coming and going, it can be difficult to keep track of your canine family members. Unfortunately, that creates the perfect environment for accidents, injuries, and anxiety attacks. While you're planning your holiday festivities, remember the following tips. They'll help you keep your dogs healthy and happy:

Give Your Dog a Safe Space

Whether your dog suffers from anxiety, or not, the noise and confusion of holiday get-together's can cause unnecessary stress. To prevent a canine meltdown during the festivities, make sure you provide a safe space for your dog. Designate one room in your home as a guest-free area. Place your dog's bed and a few of its favorite toys in the room. When you see your dog becoming anxious, gently take it to the safe-space.

Monitor the Food That Comes In

If your dog likes to sample food that's laying around, be sure to monitor what comes into the house. You know what foods can be harmful to dogs, but your guests might not. If guests bring chocolate, raisins, or grapes into the house, be sure those foods are kept up, and out of the way of your pet. To prevent your dog from sampling the human treats, be sure to leave plenty of dog-friendly treats out for it to enjoy. It's also important that you keep its water bowl filled with fresh water. Stress can make dogs pant more, which can dehydrate them if they don't have access to water.

Be Mindful of the Holiday Tree Hazards

If you're going to have a decorated tree this holiday season, be careful with the tree hazards. You might not realize this, but holiday trees can be particularly hazardous for curious dogs. First, avoid using food as decorations, especially popcorn and cranberries. Dogs can chew on the food, but get the string stuck in their throats. Second, avoid placing small near the bottom of the tree. This type of decorations can pose choking hazards. Finally, avoid placing holiday lights on the lower portion of your trees. If your dog chews on the lights, it could receive an electrical shock.

Have Your Dog Microchipped

When dogs get stressed, it's not uncommon for them to try and escape the area. Unfortunately, if your dog runs out an opened door, you may not be able to get it back quickly. Before the holidays arrive, talk to your veterinarian about having your dog microchipped. This will ensure that you'll be notified once your dog is located. It's also a good idea to keep a collar and identification tag on your dog during the holidays.

Contact a company like Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A for more information and assistance.