Santa dogs Jackie, Miya and Meesha share their holiday tips
Christmas safety tips for dogs

It’s 3 days until Christmas Eve. The Christmas tree is up and the decorations are set. The Stockings are hung on the mantle and gifts are wrapped. The letters to Santa have been sent weeks ago. Now all we have to do is wait for Christmas morning to arrive.

Yet with all this Christmas merriment around us, this time can be quite dangerous for our pets. Jackie, Miya and Meesha wanted to bring you a few helpful hints for keeping your decorations, tree, parties, and gifts safe for your pets. So plan on using our Christmas safety tips for dogs to ensure your dogs keep out of trouble.

Deck the Halls with boughs of holly

Tree decorations, ribbons, tinsel, and bright lights can transform your home into holiday wonderment. However you need to make sure all decorations are out of your pet’s reach.

Edible decorations, whether they be ornaments, or cranberry or popcorn strings, are like treats begging to be tasted by your pet. Your pet will surely tug at them, knock them down and happily chew on your wonderfully decorated home.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree ever so ripe are thee

Christmas Trees are the one of the primary festive decorations in our home. They are covered in sparkly ornaments and glistening lights. Under the tree are boxes wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper and taunting bows. How enticing is this for your pet !! Not to mention there may be a box or bag or two of yummy treats just for your dog. Now the stage is set. Ugh..

The Christmas tree, whether it is artificial or real pine needles, can get lodged in your pet’s esophagus. Even if your pet can manage to swallow them, they are impossible to digest. Even the water beneath the tree can cause diarrhea, mouth sores, vomiting and loss of appetite. So when you’re wondering why the tree seems to need water more than usual, think of who is behind on the actual drinking!

Tinsel can add a nice sparkling touch to the tree, but make sure you hang it up out of your pet’s reach. Ingesting the tinsel can potentially block their intestines, which generally can only be remedied through surgical means.

Remember to place your ornaments so your pal can’t sit and play with them all day. Also make sure to place fragile ornaments higher on the tree to prevent them from falling and shattering. Finally, keep presents secure in a pet-free area. You don’t want your pet to rip open everything before Santa arrives!

Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are Christmas staples in our homes

We all love to decorate our homes with the flowers of the season. However did you know holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs and cats.   Each of these plants can cause different reactions. If your pet ingests an entire Poinsettia plant they will be very sick, but a few leaves may not do as much harm (this is dependent on the type of dog). However, you should be very conscientious of mistletoe, holly, lilies and Christmas roses. These pretty plants can cause vomiting and diarrhea in a pet who has ingested a small amount.  However, when a large amount is ingested, holly, lilies and Christmas roses can be fatal.  Mistletoe may cause a drop in blood pressure, swollen mouth and throat tissue, and vomiting. Your best bet is to be wise on where you place your Christmas plants and flowers.

Holly, Jolly Christmas Events

When entertaining guests in your home, it is important to consider your pet in the mix. If your pet is easily excited or you have guests who may feel anxious around him, you may want to create a safe haven for your pet in another room.

You want to state the rules for your pet to your guests right up front. You don’t want your friends feeding your pet extra food or food that will make them sick.  Make sure your guests understand what chocolate and other holiday treats will do to your dog. No alcohol for your pets since this can lead to a coma, respiratory problems, and possibly death.

Have a Happy “Howliday”

Keeping your four legged family members safe during the holidays can be a difficult task. However with a little planning and knowledge, all your family, two legged and four legged, will have a happy “howliday” time.

 

Merry Christmas and a WOOF New Year! From all us at WOOF Now What!