Keeping Your Dog Safe at Christmas
December 24, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Holidays & Your Dog, Safety, Tips
As the hours tick down to Christmas, you’ve still got time to make some last minute preparations to keep your dog safe and sound over the holiday. If you’ve got company coming in for the holiday, it’s especially important as others may not be aware of your dog’s special needs.
Before the excitement starts, be sure to:
- Tag your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t normally wear his collar and tag while in the house, now’s a good time to keep it on. The ins and outs of company can make it all too easy for your dog to slip outside undetected. If you don’t have a tag, get out a permanent marker and write your last name and phone number on your dog’s collar.
- Appoint one person to watch your dog. Designate one family member to keep an eye on your dog and know where he is as your family members come and go. It’s all too easy for everyone to think your dog’s with someone else.
- Keep an eye on food and drink. Keep an eye on foods that are doggie no-nos: chocolates, baked goods with raisins, alcohol, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes, avocados, and anything with xylitol (used in sugarless products such as sugarfree gum).
- Watch for presents that might include chocolate. If guests bring presents and put them beneath the tree, remember that you won’t be able to tell that one’s a box of chocolates–but your dog will. If you’re concerned, be sure to ask. Better to spoil the surprise than to wake up Christmas morning and find out your dog has eaten a box of chocolates…and spend your day running to the emergency vet!
- Watch out for holiday plants. If your guests bring holiday plants–poinsettias and mistletoe–make sure they’re outdoors and out of your dog’s reach.
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