We hope your holiday is filled with small miracles.

Hannukah, Holidays Hide

Company, meals, decorations – with all of the extra activity surrounding the holidays, take a little time to ensure your dogs stay healthy and safe during the joyful events. Here are a few tips from the Online Dog Coach trainers to keep your dog safe:

1. FOOD – Make sure guests know what is appropriate and inappropriate to feed your dog so that Fido doesn’t get a nice helping of turkey that makes him sick later.  The best policy would be to make sure that guests do not feed your dogs.

• Everyone knows that turkey contains tryptophan, a chemical that makes you sleepy.
• Before you give your pet his own plate, remember that turkey contains many small bones that may be harmful.

2. DECORATIONS – Christmas tree ornaments can be a temptation – one year we came home to find the tree tipped over and ornaments broken.

• Remove the temptation by keeping the dog away from the Christmas tree when not supervised or consider putting a decorative white picket fence around your tree. You can also place an X-pen around the tree.
• Tie your tree to the wall with heavy fishing line and anchors secured to studs.
• Dogs and cats may play with ornaments they can reach.  Keep treasured ornaments out of reach by hanging them higher on the tree.
• Tinsel is a NO-NO in pet households. Dogs and cats play with and  ingest it resulting in a thousand dollar vet bill.

3. TRAVEL – If traveling for the holidays and haven’t secured a place for your dog, it’s probably too late. Space fills up rapidly in reputable kennels and vet businesses.

• If you can’t find a place, ask at your vet office or doggie daycare if any vet techs or staff house sit. Many do. Not only do you have someone you know, but someone that is trained in pet care.
• Introduce your pet to the situation before you leave town. Visit the kennel or boarding section of the vet’s office. Have the pet sitter come meet pets and get familiar with their routine.

4. CELEBRATIONS – Having company and parties introduces some uncontrollable circumstances. Keep your pet confined in a familiar location to avoid the stress, table scraps, opening doors, and other things that come with having parties and company.

• On New Years Eve, many communities have fire works displays.  Very few dogs enjoy this loud noise, so remember to keep your pets inside. Follow the same tips as for the Fourth of July.
• If using a crate, make sure you start crate training early so it becomes comfortable and familiar to your dog.

5. NEW PETS – Please reconsider if thinking about giving a pet as a gift. Adding a living family member is a family decision, and the holidays are a very hectic time to introduce new routines to family members as well as the new pet.

For more safety ideas, visit ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

Christmas, dogs, Hannukah, Health and Care, Holidays, how to, new years, travel Hide