Fire safety for dogs during holidays, RKF guidance

A safety note from Vladimir Golubev, president of the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF), reminded that dogs should be kept away from fireplaces, bonfires, and candles during holiday gatherings. Dogs, like curious children, explore their surroundings with enthusiasm. This means owners must ensure that any open flame does not pose a risk to their pets, especially when people are cooking or entertaining nearby. The guidance is simple: never leave a dog unattended near an open fire, and be prepared to intervene quickly if the animal approaches a flame or a hot surface. A stray paw or an excited wag of the tail can bring about an accident in an instant, even if there is no intention to harm the dog. The message emphasizes prevention over reaction, underscoring that careful supervision and safe distances around heat sources protect canine companions from burns and smoke exposure.