The holidays are a great time to spend with friends and family, including those four-legged, furry members. Not all activities are sanctioned for pets, however, and some traditions are best tailored for pet safety.
The Association of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has compiled a list of helpful hints for ensuring cat and dog safety amid the festivities. We narrowed down five important reminders about holiday safety for dogs. Keep these in mind for a fun, festive and safe holiday season.
Beware: Tree Tricks
The water used to hydrate Christmas trees can pose potential problems for dogs. When you add fertilizer to perk up your tree, that additive can harbor a threat of poison if ingested. In addition, a mounted water basin can topple over if the tree becomes jostled.
Counter this by keeping your tree water toxin-free; use only pet-safe boosters, such as sugar. Anchor your tree to reduce the chance of water spills.
Beware: Out-of-Bounds Bounty
Table scraps can be sacrificed from time to time – depending on your philosophy of feeding dogs from the table. Some foods, however, are verboten when dogs are involved. Chocolate has been clearly categorized as dangerous to dogs. The sweetener Xilotol should be eliminated from offerings to dogs, too, for example.
Offer unseasoned turkey and other low-sodium treats to pets if you have an urge to share the holiday spirit. Keep a tight lid on food for people only – and, while you’re at it, keep a tight lid on that garbage can, too. Our pups are pros at opening a tempting trash bin in the hunt for treats.
Beware: Fight Fire
Candles supply a warm glow over all our yuletide pastimes. But unsupervised open flames, as we know, can damage more than merry memories.
Ensure your candles are in firm holders that can’t be shaken. Also, put out candles when you’ll leave the room. Think about getting flameless candles.
Beware: Set Up Sanctuary
Noisy celebrations – especially surrounding New Year’s Eve – can upset pets. Between the present-opening glee, the “Cheers” that come with cups of good cheer and the loud countdowns and Auld Lang Synes, your dog will want a respite from the high spirits.
Give Fido sanctuary space to settle in and clear his head. A quiet room devoted to your dog will help put your pet’s fears at ease until the noise passes.
Beware: Pick Pet-Safe Presents
Give your dog a gift that’s perfect for pets. A toy that can be destroyed and have stuffing strewn across the floor – or, worse, eaten by your dog, presenting indigestion and choking problems – will do more harm than holiday good.
Pick a present that’s made just for dogs. Indestructible balls and toys are a great way to spread joy. Toys made for filling with food are twice as good a treat and expand the happiness over a longer period of time.
For more holiday precautions and suggestions for a fun and fulfilling season that’s safe for dogs – and happy for humans! – check out the ASPCA’s page on seasonal safety for pets.
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