Think About Your Dog’s Safety This Holiday Season
It’s easy to get caught up in holiday busy-ness and forget, or just not think about safety when it comes to the family dog. Especially if this is your first Christmas or holiday celebration with a dog. Sometimes, if the home environment has changed or you have new additions to your Christmas décor; understandably, dog safety may not be on the front of your mind. So how do you make sure your home is safe for your dog this Christmas, I can show you some main things to look out for. Pet-proofing your home, also increases child-safety too! So you can keep everyone safe this season.
Dogs and Fire Safety During The Holidays
The number one hazard for dogs at Christmas time is the fireplace. Make sure pets are supervised around the fireplace at all times. Dogs may fear fire, the heat and the flames but some will be caught up in the curiosity. Make sure the fire place has a screen. Make sure fire place tools and equipment are kept away from pets and children. While we are on the topic of fire, also be aware if candles and try to keep them out of reach of the dog completely. Happy wagging tails can get caught in candle flame or knock candles off low tables. A dog that gets accidently burned from the fireplace or candles will NOT be enjoying Christmas festivities.
The Christmas tree also can cause problems for your dog. First off, the lights and shiny decorations are very intriguing. But on real trees the pine needles shed easily and may be a choking hazard if accidently swallowed. Decorations can be broken if they are mistaken for chew toys and light cords present an electrical risk. Artificial trees can be safer but will not alleviate the risk of electricity from light cords or curiosity of ornaments. Best to keep your dog away from the tree however you can.
Chocolate, Caffeine and Doggie Digestion
Chocolate can be life-threatening for dogs. Chocolate toxicosis can occur if a dog gets too much chocolate for it’s weight and size. There are two chemicals in chocolate that our risky for dogs. The first is caffeine, the other is theombromine. If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate he may get an upset stomach with vomiting and diarrhea. Worsening symptoms may include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart attack. Don’t let your dog get sick dog, it will ruin the holiday. It is impossible to say if any amount of chocolate is okay for a dog. Guard the chocolate and keep you dog safe.
Here’s a review of our tips, if you prefer to watch!
Just a few quick reminders to keep our dogs safe this holiday season! Wishing you the best from our family to yours.
