How to Keep Your Dog Safe this Holiday Season
Enjoy the happiest time of the year with ALL members of your family! Here are some helpful tips for avoiding hazards this Holiday season. After all, no one wants to spend Christmas at the emergency vet with a sick pet.
Avoid Holly, Mistletoe and Lilies
Opt for an artificial plant when possible. If ingested, Holly can cause pets to suffer from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe has been known to cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. The majority of lilies can cause kidney damage if ingested.
Check the water in your tree daily and do NOT add anything to it.
Dogs are quick to find the tree stand and attempt to drink out of it. Old tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria which could cause nausea and/or diarrhea.
Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws reach.
A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. Shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
Place breakable ornaments toward the top of your tree.
Your dog's tail can cause some carnage to fragile ornaments.
Securely anchor your tree.
A tree falling down can be a major fire hazard and could also hurt your pet.
Put your dog in his/her crate when not supervised around your Christmas tree.
Even the best pets can get themselves into trouble with so many enticing toys hanging from a tree in their home.
Daily exercise is so important during this time of the year.
Many of us have family gatherings, which can cause some stress to even the best-mannered dog. New sounds, new smells, and new people may contribute to stress. Do your best to set a routine for your dog. Early morning romps around the yard and evening walks with the family always helps. Find a quiet place in your home to place their crate with water and food. Allow them some downtime to help them deal with the holiday stresses.
Need some fun indoor exercises? Try these out with your pup!
Foods you should NOT feed to your pet:
1. By now we all know that anything containing xylitol should not be offered to your best friend.
2. Just skip the sweets altogether
3. Turkey, in abundance, is not safe for your dog
4. Anything with a cooked bone should not be offered to your best friend
5. Grapes and Raisins
6. Macadamia Nuts
7. Milk and Dairy
8. Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
9. Onions, Garlic and Chives
10. Yeast Dough
11. Alcohol, yes Fido does not need to kick back and drink a glass of wine with the family.
