Our dogs are part of the family. Make sure they are part of the festivities.
Pets like presents, just like us
- Keep your dog occupied and out of harm’s way by giving him a holiday toy or bone.
- Kong Toys and natural deer antlers are especially good. Don’t give squeaky toys!
Holiday foods can be dangerous to our dogs
- Don’t give your dog fatty or spicy foods, herbs, bread dough, and sweets. Don’t even think about giving him some of your “holiday libation” or the chocolate goodie Aunt Mary brought. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners can also be dangerous for your dog. Symptoms can range from a slight upset stomach to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Cooked poultry bones (Turkey dinner) can be especially dangerous. These bones can splinter and cause choking and internal bleeding. Give your dog deer antlers or other “dog safe” bones. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
- Secure trash lids so your dog can’t find things he shouldn’t.
Christmas Trees pose special hazards
- Only hang ornaments that are non-breakable near the bottom of the tree. Raise your “breakable boundary” for larger dogs.
- Don’t let your dog drink the water in the tree bowl. This water normally contains chemicals to preserve the tree that can be highly toxic to your dog. Also, the stagnate water can attract bugs and bacteria that can cause gastronomic problems for your dog.
- Attach the tree to a wall or ceiling so it won’t fall over if your dog decides to jump or climb. Sweep up the pine needles as they fall off the tree. They might have been sprayed with something poisonous or could puncture your dog’s stomach.
Our dogs should always feel safe and relaxed
- Play with your dog before guests arrive to tire him out. He won’t be as crazy when they arrive.
- With all the strange things going on in the house, your dog may become overwhelmed and become too inquisitive or active. Give him some breaks by putting him in his crate or in the back room with the kids quietly watching TV.
- Don’t let your dog alone with guests that have not been properly introduced to him. You aren’t sure how they will react and if your guest may become afraid (or visa-versa).
- Make sure your dog has plenty of water to help with any stress or over-panting.
- When people are opening presents, make sure you have some goodies for your dog. It will keep him focused and not wanting to steal your new goodies.
Festive decorations cause problems, too
- There will be a lot of electrical wires put out that normally aren’t in the house. Make sure they are out of your dog’s reach.
- Many Holiday plants (including mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and some types of lilies) are poisonous. Keep them up and away from your dog.
- Don’t leave lit candles where your dog’s inquisitive nose or excited tail can knock them over.
- Pick up any broken ornaments at once. Ingesting them can be extremely harmful for your dog.
One last Holiday thing
- DO NOT give puppies as surprise gifts! Most of these cute gifts end up in shelters. Owning a dog takes a great deal of commitment and should never be a surprise. We will be happy to assist you in determining if a new puppy is the right thing for the holidays.
Our dogs are part of the family. Make sure they are part of the festivities.
Pets like presents, just like us
- Keep your dog occupied and out of harm’s way by giving him a holiday toy or bone.
- Kong Toys and natural deer antlers are especially good. Don’t give squeaky toys!
Holiday foods can be dangerous to our dogs
- Don’t give your dog fatty or spicy foods, herbs, bread dough, and sweets. Don’t even think about giving him some of your “holiday libation” or the chocolate goodie Aunt Mary brought. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners can also be dangerous for your dog. Symptoms can range from a slight upset stomach to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Cooked poultry bones (Turkey dinner) can be especially dangerous. These bones can splinter and cause choking and internal bleeding. Give your dog deer antlers or other “dog safe” bones. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
- Secure trash lids so your dog can’t find things he shouldn’t.
Christmas Trees pose special hazards
- Only hang ornaments that are non-breakable near the bottom of the tree. Raise your “breakable boundary” for larger dogs.
- Don’t let your dog drink the water in the tree bowl. This water normally contains chemicals to preserve the tree that can be highly toxic to your dog. Also, the stagnate water can attract bugs and bacteria that can cause gastronomic problems for your dog.
- Attach the tree to a wall or ceiling so it won’t fall over if your dog decides to jump or climb. Sweep up the pine needles as they fall off the tree. They might have been sprayed with something poisonous or could puncture your dog’s stomach.
Our dogs should always feel safe and relaxed
- Play with your dog before guests arrive to tire him out. He won’t be as crazy when they arrive.
- With all the strange things going on in the house, your dog may become overwhelmed and become too inquisitive or active. Give him some breaks by putting him in his crate or in the back room with the kids quietly watching TV.
- Don’t let your dog alone with guests that have not been properly introduced to him. You aren’t sure how they will react and if your guest may become afraid (or visa-versa).
- Make sure your dog has plenty of water to help with any stress or over-panting.
- When people are opening presents, make sure you have some goodies for your dog. It will keep him focused and not wanting to steal your new goodies.
Festive decorations cause problems, too
- There will be a lot of electrical wires put out that normally aren’t in the house. Make sure they are out of your dog’s reach.
- Many Holiday plants (including mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and some types of lilies) are poisonous. Keep them up and away from your dog.
- Don’t leave lit candles where your dog’s inquisitive nose or excited tail can knock them over.
- Pick up any broken ornaments at once. Ingesting them can be extremely harmful for your dog.
One last Holiday thing
- DO NOT give puppies as surprise gifts! Most of these cute gifts end up in shelters. Owning a dog takes a great deal of commitment and should never be a surprise. We will be happy to assist you in determining if a new puppy is the right thing for the holidays.
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