Holiday Treats and Meals

One of our favorite things to do over the holidays is bake and cook. Let's face it, nothing feels like winter without a hot cup of cocoa or plate of cookies. Yet, when it comes to our pets, vigilance is key. There are many instances where veterinarians have saved dogs from toxic reactions to chocolate, or treated canine pancreatitis from ingesting greasy ham. And with all of the company many of us get over the holidays, keeping food out of reach from your pets is paramount.

1. Pack it up immediately. After everyone is served, instead of leaving food out on the counter for buffet-style serving, pack it up into your fridge. Dry foods should be kept higher up or in the middle of islands or the backs of counters, or even better, stored in inaccessible pantries or cupboards.
2. Crate your pet. This is a secure way of keeping your pet safe during visits or meals. Guest most likely are not familiar with your dog's habits, and if you have a little escape artist, your guests may not realize to enter and shut that door quickly. Consider doing this in a public place in your home. It is far easier to do this if you crate-trained a puppy, but older dogs can learn to adjust. For more information look HERE. I suggest this especially if you live in colder weather instead of making your dog stay outdoors while the party goers are warm inside!
3. Educate your children and your guests about avoiding table scraps. Do not give your dog any human food. Period. Bones from poultry or ham can easily splinter and cause a major injury in your dog's mouth or worse, their intestinal tract.

The Tree

A sparkly Christmas tree is the best! It's probably that one tradition that brings families together the most Yet, dangers lurk for your pet. Think you only need to protect babies and toddlers from a tree? Think again.

1. What about lights? Sure when we are all gathered together enjoying the tree all seems fine. But if you leave your tree lights on when leaving a room, you need to be sure your dog does not have access to your tree. Chewing those cords while power is on is an obvious danger. Also, if your dogs chews the bulbs, they are likely to get a mouth full of glass or sharp plastic.
2. Branches and needles are not safe. Be sure to keep fallen needles swept so that your dog does not ingest them. They can cause havoc again for your dog's mouth and digestive system. And when cutting your tree trunk or branches before setting it up, do so outside and immediately trash the unused parts. Again..think splinters or sharp needles.
3. Dangerous Ornaments? Consider using unbreakable ones. Even if your Rover is the best trained dog around, glass ornaments can and do fall off trees. That glass can get into your furbaby's paws or mouth. Also, avoid putting a homemade ornament made out of dough or candy canes on your tree.

The Fireplace

The coziness of a roaring fire in the winter is a hallmark of the season. Man's best friend loves to curl up next to it on a cold winter's night. Yet, things can happen when we are not careful about this iconic symbol of the holidays.

1. Watch out for sparks. A crackling fire creates them. They can come through a worn out screen or from an outdoor firepit, easily land on your dog if you are not paying attention. Keep those screens in good shape and try to keep your dog at a bit of a distance from the opening.
2. What about when the fire's out? Your dog can get into more trouble if they get into the soot or the unburned logs. Keep that fireplace door shut after the fire is out and clean your fireplace (once cooled) each day to remove any built up ashes.
3. Don't burn too late. Be sure to safely either extinguish your fire or wait until it burns down enough to safely close the doors before turning in for the night. Leaving an unattended fire is unsafe for all family members!

Presents!

Oh how we enjoy these! Just as we are mindful of holiday treats, the tree and our fireplace, so goes with leaving presents unattended under our tree. Simply put, just don't leave gifts out until Christmas Eve. Then, be sure to contain your pets. Too many stories on Tik Tok show children crying because their 65 lb lab chewed Santa's gifts. I once had a Golden Retriever destroy seven Barbie dolls while we were all sleeping!