Holiday Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends
As the festive season approaches, it's time to prepare not just your home, but also your dog for the holiday hustle and bustle. Here’s how to ensure your dog stays safe and comfortable amidst the celebrations.
Create a Sanctuary of Calm: The holidays can transform your home into a hub of excitement, with more noise, visitors, and chaos than usual. If your dog isn’t accustomed to large gatherings or tends to get anxious, even familiar faces can become overwhelming. Offer them a serene escape by setting up a cozy retreat in a quiet room or their kennel. This safe haven can help prevent stress and reduce the likelihood of fear-based reactions, keeping your pup as cool as a cucumber.
Mindful Munching: The aroma of holiday feasts is tempting for everyone, including your four-legged companion. While it’s tempting to share the goodies, be cautious about what and how much you offer. Many festive foods loaded with fat, sugar, and oils can upset your dog’s stomach or worse, cause pancreatitis. Remember, some foods are downright dangerous for dogs, such as candy, cooked bones, nutmeg, onions, alcohol, and xylitol-containing treats. Keeping these off the menu will help ensure a tail-wagging holiday season.
Curb the Counter Surfing: If your dog is a notorious counter surfer, you might want to consider blocking off the kitchen or keeping them out during meal preparations. Not only does this prevent unsupervised snacking on harmful foods, but it also maintains a safer, stress-free environment for everyone involved.
Plant Precautions: Decking the halls often involves beautiful holiday plants, but beware many are toxic to dogs. Poinsettia, Amaryllis, Holly, Mistletoe, Cyclamen, Yew, Christmas Rose, and English Ivy can pose serious health risks. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives or ensure these plants are out of reach to keep your canine companion safe.
By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure your dog enjoys the festive season as much as you do. Wishing you and your furry family members a joyful and safe holiday season!