Christmas time is here! Time for joy and time for cheer!
As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to keep your dog’s safety in mind. Many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the gatherings. To prevent mishaps for your dog, it is important that you recognize potential dangers.
Consider how your dog will react to new things, crowds, loud noises, other dogs, and kids.
If your pet becomes anxious, any of the above can create stress for your fur baby. Setting up a safe and quiet space for your canine friend is an essential part of preparing for a Merry Christmas. If you know your dog is happy and comfortable, you will be too! Set up an area in a different part of your home like a bedroom, den, office, or garage. Setting up their area with access to food, water, bed, blanket, and some durable chew toys for entertainment.
Set up a radio to play music or a fan for white noise will create a calm ambiance for your pet. If your dog is susceptible to escape attempts, I recommend using a kennel to help your dog feel safe and confined. Be sure to check on your canine friend regularly.
To avoid the stress of balancing your dog’s needs and the holiday cheer of Christmas: You can also book your pet for an overnight boarding stay at Emily’s Canine Services. They will enjoy a restful, comfortable night in our home. Book your boarding stay by contacting me!
Talk to your incoming guest
Communicating with your guests about your dog is important. Why? You are your dog’s advocate. Other pet owners may carry out habits that are not suitable for your dog’s lifestyle.
Examples:
- Allowing bad habits such as jumping up, laying on the furniture, “kissing” their face, etc… Refreshing your dog’s manners would be beneficial for everyone including you!
If you need training advice, contact me and set up training lessons for your dog and you. - Your guests might accidentally let your dog get out of the house. – Make sure your dog has accurate and updated ID tags.
- Your guests might feed your dog table scraps.
Christmas tree and decorations
Bringing a tree into the house with the minimum problems, spend time with your dog, allowing them to sniff and explore the tree. If you get a natural tree, make a point of vacuuming or sweeping up the dropped pine needles daily. As well as containing the pine oil and sap, as this is toxic to dogs if ingested. Also try to cover the water your tree sits in so your dog will not drink from it. Now for the decorations, try and introduce the decorations in a calm manner. This will help them process and cope with these new additions to the house.
The pretty Christmas lights mean extra cables and what dog doesn’t like a good chew on new things? To prevent your dog from chewing on any cables and wires, make sure they are hidden away, boxed off, or you can use sturdy cable shields.
Be wary of candles and decorative plants! Some common Christmas time plants that are toxic for dogs when ingested are: Poinsettias, Holly, Yew Hicks, and Mistletoe.
Depending on your situation, you may need to keep your hanging decorations completely out of reach of the dog. If your dog is having trouble respecting the boundaries you are setting in place, feel free to reach out to me and let’s chat about a personalized Christmas training plan!
Christmas dinner, yummy! … But is it safe for your dog?
Remember that while some of these foods may be safe in moderation, it’s important to check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. Keep in mind that every dog’s tolerance for food can vary, so it’s necessary to monitor your dog for any reactions when giving them new foods. If your pet automatically ‘vacuums’ any food that hits the floor or is easily accessible, it can be dangerous for them and at times fatal.
Even the best-behaved dog can be tempted by the smell of the delicious holiday treats. This might inspire them to counter surf or raid a trash can. It’s best that holiday dinner trash is immediately brought outside or kept in a secure trash can.
Foods that are safe for dogs
• Turkey – As long as the skin, seasoning, and bones are removed; white turkey meat is a good treat for dogs.
• Pumpkin – Packed with fiber and helps with digestion, pumpkin is a healthy and delicious food.
• Fruits: pears, pineapple, apples and cranberries – Without the cores, seeds, pricky skin or added seasoning; these fruits are high in fiber and refreshing treats.
• Vegetables: carrots, green beans, corn, and celery – Cooked or raw AND plain these vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins. They are usually easy to digest for dogs.
• Potatoes – In moderation, regular and sweet potatoes that are plain, NO added seasonings, butter, or milks are okay to give to your dog.
Christmas food that is not safe for dogs
The food items listed below are toxic, can cause internal damage/illness, and are deadly to dogs. If your dog has ingested any of the following items listed below, contact your veterinarian or emergency vet hospital immediately.
• Garlic, onions, scallions
• Fatty meat.
• Bread and rolls.
• Chocolate, desserts, candy, and anything sugar free.
• Grapes / raisins.
• Gravy.
• Dairy products.
• Cooked or boiled bones.
• Alcohol.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a veterinarian or other canine health care professional if you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s health. If you rely on the information provided here, you do so solely at your own risk.
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