Yappy Holidays! Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

[Punum]

The holidays are a wonderful time of year; friends and family visit...

Those annual holiday items we think are beautiful and peaceful are viewed as toys by your dog and then a menace when they ingest it. To make sure that your holiday runs smoothly, here are a few tips to dog proof your house during the holidays. These suggestions should be used for other your other pets as well, like cats and ferrets.

Everyone loves the holiday lights that glow beautifully in the night this time of year; but there is an unseen hazard. Dogs, especially those who are over curious, will find the cords to your indoor and outdoor lights a toy. This is a hazard if your dog chews on the cords, they could expose the wiring which could shock or even electrocute your pet. To avoid this, make sure to tie your cords together and hide them under a sheet or cord cover and check regularly that your pet hasn’t messed with the cords.

The tree looks beautiful to us but to a dog it is covered with lots of toys. All those shiny, glittery balls are great to knock off the tree, then break, and then eat. And once it’s eaten, the problems multiply. The last thing you want during the holidays is a pet with a blocked intestine and in need of surgery. Set your tree off the floor on boxes and cover those boxes with a large tree skirt, and don’t hang ornaments too low where your pet can get to them.

Everyone knows the best food of the year is made during the holiday season. There is a lot of turkey, chocolates, cakes, cookies, and the list goes on. All of these foods are dangerous to your pet. After cooking a turkey, make sure the keep it out of the way where your dog can’t get at it, and when you are finished with the turkey, take the trash with the bones out to a lidded trash can immediately. Dogs love turkey bones which are sharp and can puncture the intestines if eaten. Many meals contain a chocolate treat this time of year as well. Chocolate is a poison to dogs and should be kept out of reach at all times. Keep an eye on your dog to make sure it’s not getting into anything they shouldn’t be.

Dogs react to alcohol just like anyone does. Except, your dog has a low tolerance and can get sick from it. Every year beloved pets die from alcohol poisoning. Don’t let them drink from the punch bowl or the eggnog. Keep it out of reach of your pet.

Holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can be dangerous to pets. Recent studies have shown that the plants are not as dangerous as they were thought to be, but they can still cause stomach upset for your pet. Use fake plants instead, just make sure that your pet doesn’t eat the fake flowers which are also dangerous.

Dogs, like humans and all other living organisms, need food. The right food is important, it makes your dog look, act, and feel better. The wrong foods can upset their stomachs, give them gas, make them appear unhealthy, or even be fatal. Here is some information to help you decide what foods are best for your dog.

Dogs react to alcohol just like anyone does. Except, your dog has a low tolerance and can get sick from it. Every year beloved pets die from alcohol poisoning. Don’t let them drink from the punch bowl or the eggnog. Keep it out of reach of your pet.

Holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can be dangerous to pets. Recent studies have shown that the plants are not as dangerous as they were thought to be, but they can still cause stomach upset for your pet. Use fake plants instead, just make sure that your pet doesn’t eat the fake flowers which are also dangerous.

Dogs, like humans and all other living organisms, need food. The right food is important, it makes your dog look, act, and feel better. The wrong foods can upset their stomachs, give them gas, make them appear unhealthy, or even be fatal. Here is some information to help you decide what foods are best for your dog.

Foods for dogs that are absolute no-nos; well there’s a few and they have serious consequences. Chocolate is poisonous; it causes gastroenteritis and can lead to death if not dealt with quickly. Garlic, onions and shallots are all poisonous. If you season your meats or vegetables, make sure they don’t contain these ingredients. Here is a link to foods poisonous to your pets.

Proper food makes for a healthier dog. Feed your dog well, treat often, but make sure it’s doggie safe.

If you notice that your pet got into something they shouldn’t have, call your vet immediately. Let your vet know if you notice any changes in bowel movements, eating and drinking habits, playfulness, lethargy; these symptoms will help your vet pin point your pet’s problem and help to solve it sooner.

Have a happy holiday season and remember to animal proof your house for the holidays.