posted in 12 Dec, 2010 by Guest Writer, Dianne Sarasin from Bark Busters Ottawa
In the spirit of the coming season, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, offers helpful holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.
In planning for this season’s holiday festivities, it’s important to keep your pets in mind. With a little thought and preparation we can make sure we all enjoy the holidays. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for dogs. Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog’s routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog.”
Holiday foods can be harmful
Many holiday foods can be harmful to canines, causing symptoms as mild as an upset stomach or as severe as vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid giving your dog fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcohol beverages, caffeine and sweets of all kinds—especially those with chocolate or xylitol, a natural sweetener.
Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and the bone shards can cause choking, get stuck in your dog’s gums or possibly damage his intestines. Instead, treat your dog to “dog bones” specifically designed for him to chew. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage—secure lids on all trashcans.
It’s natural that you’d want to share holiday treats with your dog. While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don’t overdo it—too much of a good thing can make him sick.
Decorations are not playthings
Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis (a type of lily). Also be sure all potpourri is out of your pet’s reach.
Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Whether it’s in the garage or in a snow globe keep antifreeze products away from your happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, keep your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure your dog does not lick the area later.
Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns. Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.
Christmas trees can be hazardous
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Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband,