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With the holidays fast approaching, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in a the decorating, shopping, baking and entertaining. But… what about our dogs? What about their well-being and safety??
Here are some tips to help you think about things that might be dangerous for your dog during Christmas…
**Make sure your dog has a “safe place” he/she can go if the holidays become too much for him. Sometimes, when we entertain, the house gets noisy and your dog may want a quiet place to go sleep. Make sure he has a place he can go that is quiet and in a private place. If your dog goes there, he is telling you he’s had enough…
**Holiday plants need to be put where your dog can’t reach them. Poinsettias, eucalyptus, mistletoe and holly are all dangerous plants for your dog to eat. If your dog DOES get ahold of one of these plants and eats it, call the Animal Poison Control Center immediately: (888) 426-4435.
**Make sure your dogs are secure and don’t get out the door as guests come in your house. This seems to happen a lot on holidays. Make sure you know where your dog is as people go in and out of your house.We are all very happy to see our friends and relatives on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, but sometimes, we are so busy talking and hugging our family that we don’t see our dog slip out the door. Also, make sure your dogs are wearing tags. This is vital if they do get out.
**If you have a dog, you may want to avoid lighting candles… or put them high enough that your dog can’t get to them. My pug is always curious. I don’t know if she would knock a candle off a table, but I don’t want to find out, either. A candle can seriously burn your dog.
**If your pug (or other type of dog) is a chewer, you should use electrical tape to secure your cords so your dog doesn’t chew through them and get shocked. Pugs, among other breeds are small and they CAN get under your Christmas tree.
**Cover the water in the bottom of your Christmas tree so your dog doesn’t drink it… especially if there is some type of preservative in it. Plant food additives can make your dog sick. Make sure you keep fresh water accessible to your dog.
** Avoid tinsel. Don’t put it on your tree or have it in your house. If your dog eats a piece of it, it can cause intestinal damage. Don’t take that risk!!
**Don’t give your dog bites of holiday treats. Remember, some foods are not safe for a dog to eat. And… as tempting as it may be, don’t give your dog a turkey or ham bone to chew on, especially not a pug. Pugs choke easy and bones are a choking hazard. If your pug begs for a cookie or a treat, get some dog cookies from Petco or Petsmart and keep them close so you can give him one when everyone else is eating too. And… remember, keep chocolate and gum put up. They are toxic to your dog. Watch what is in stockings and keep them put up after they are opened.
Christmas is a great holiday and a wonderful time for families, friends and EVEN PETS to enjoy. Take precautions to keep your dog safe and your dog will enjoy the holidays as much as you do!!
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Thank you for the tips!! Tia Marie goes to the bedroom when she has had enough.
Great tips for all dog owners, not just pugs! My Ziggy will want to be picked up and go on my lap when he has had enough.