The holidays are special times for families, but can also be challenging times for your dog. Schedules change, new people and animals arrive, the home environment is different and potentially dangerous items appear. Here are some hints to keep your dog safe during this holiday season.
Sound environmental management is even more important during this time of the year. Judicious use of gates, pens, crates and drag lines can help to keep your dog safe and out of trouble. Try to keep potentially harmful items such as tinsel, ribbons, extra electrical cords and holiday plants away from your dog (or vice versa!). Keep a special watch on the tree! Anchor it to the ceiling and don’t let your dog drink the water in the stand. Do not put aspirin in the water to preserve the tree; it can be toxic to dogs!
While you are putting out the decorations, be mindful that your dog will be curious. Keep fragile or potentially dangerous items safely out of reach. If you light candles, please put them very high up—higher than your dog can jump. Be sure to use a screen on your fireplace.
Some of the things that we love to eat at the holidays can be harmful to dogs, either because they are too rich, or because they may be toxic. Chocolate, for example, is lethal to dogs if consumed in a sufficient quantity. Some holiday plants, such as poinsettias and lilies, are also poisonous. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.
In addition to these safety precautions, it’s important to maintain your dog’s regular diet and exercise schedule to the extent possible. Remember, a sleeping dog is safe and well-behaved!
For hints on helping your dog to learn polite greetings of your holiday guests, see our next article, “Don’t Jump on Me!” For further information on holiday safety, check these links:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HolidaySafety.php
http://www.sniksnak.com/holidays.html
And have a wonderful holiday season!
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