As the holidays quickly approach, both our "To Do" list and our stress start to creep up. It's easy to leave a pair of scissors on the table, or forget to put that fruitcake away. It's easy to let dog training slide, just for now, because you're just too busy.
Remember these few safety tips to help you and your dog have a happy holiday season.
- Raisins are toxic to dogs. Even if they're baked into holiday goodies. So if your dog snacks on some fruitcake, oatmeal raisin cookies, or other yummy holiday treat, get them to the vet immediately. Even just a couple raisins (or grapes) can be enough to harm your dog.
- Keep your fragile and sentimental ornaments high on the tree. Wagging dog tails can be lethal to those precious ornaments. If one does break, be sure to get up all the tiny pieces of glass. Curious dogs may try to eat it, or they'll walk in it, getting shards of glass in their paw.
- Tinsel can be deadly if your dog eats it and it gets wrapped around his intestines. Forgo the tinsel or hang it high enough that your dog can't reach.
- Christmas tree water isn't good for your dog. Make sure his bowl is always filled so he won't be tempted to drink the water from the Christmas tree stand.
- Be aware that some snow-globes contain antifreeze – a sweet-tasting, but deadly toxin for your dog. Keep snow-globes out of reach and clean up any broken globes immediately.
- If your dog is a door-dasher, make sure he's secured before your party guests arrive. A leash is an easy tool, just be sure someone's holding the other end! Also, a really yummy toy stuffed with food will keep your dog busy in his crate or a closed bedroom.
- Be sure your dog is comfortable around your guests. If he's trying to get away from them, he may be happier in his crate (see above).
- No turkey or chicken bones from the cooked birds for your dog. These cooked bones are brittle and not safe for their consumption.
- Don't buy a puppy for the holidays. It's far too hectic a time and the little pup will be stressed out of his mind. (Which means you will be, too!) Check the shelters in March for your perfect pooch — the shelters will be teeming with all the Christmas puppies that were foolishly purchased (and subsequently given up).
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