HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
The time is
here for dressing the turkey…putting up the decorations….wrapping
presents….making extra room for guests.
It is also the
time to think about the best way to keep your pet calm and safe
during the holiday season.
There are many
obvious and not so obvious dangers for pets during Thanksgiving and
Christmas. The following tips will help to remind you of the dangers
and help you to enjoy your holiday season stress free with your pet
HOLIDAY TREATS AND FOODS
Rich, fatty foods,
like gravy or grease, can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets
to
pancreatitis,
which is an
inflammation
of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting, and dehydration. Dogs
with this serious condition often require hospitalization for
treatment.
TIP…If you want to give your dog a special treat at the
holidays, incorporate a small amount of chicken or vegetables as
part of their regular meal. By giving a small amount of bland food
as a special treat, it makes you feel good and keeps the puppy’s
tummy happy.
Alcohol can cause
serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it.
Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol
consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often
attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.
TIP…When possible; use plastic glasses in case something is
dropped to avoid cut paws or tongues.
Chocolate, coffee, and
tea all contain dangerous components called xanthenes, which cause
nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle
stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem
because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from
diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and
dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and
other candy should be placed out of your dog's reach.
Uncooked meat, fish,
and poultry can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as
E. coli, and parasites such as
Toxoplasma gondii.
These uncooked foods should not be given to your dog. For your own
health, as well as your pet, wash utensils that have been in contact
with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.
Uncooked yeast dough
can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and
possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Grapes and raisins
contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
Macadamia nuts
contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous
systems and muscles of dogs.
Remember, dogs have
an exceptional sense of smell – juices on plastic or aluminum foil
left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil
wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or
intestinal obstruction.
Meat-soaked strings
from rump roasts are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical
emergency called a 'linear
string foreign body' in the intestines.
Bones from fish,
meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small
bones can splinter causing lacerations (tearing) throughout the
intestinal tract. So, no matter how big or how little they are is
sure to keep bones (other than those that are specially sterilized
and treated) away from your dog. Rawhides, Kong toys, and hardened,
sterilized bones would be better alternatives.
TIP…Keeping your pet out of the kitchen while you are cooking is
the safest way to make sure they can’t grab anything that might fall
on the floor. Stuff a Kong with a small amount of peanut butter
or cream cheese as a special treat to give while you are preparing
dinner. Freezing the Kong keeps the mess down.
Tobacco products can
be fatal to pets, if ingested. Signs of poisoning develop within 15
to 45 minutes and include excitation, salivation, vomiting, and
diarrhea. Pets may develop seizures, collapse and die from cardiac
arrest. Keep cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, nicotine gum and patches,
and ashtrays out of the reach of pets. Empty ashtrays frequently
since cigarette butts contain about 25% of the total nicotine in a
cigarette.
To be safe, put away
food immediately and pet-proof your garbage. Garbage contains all
kinds of other hazards for your dog such as plastic wrap and bags,
6-pack beverage holders that could cause strangulation, fat
trimmings, bones, and pieces of ribbon or tinsel.
TIP……
Feed your pet(s) before a party so they
will not be so apt to beg or steal food. A good long walk, play
session, or training session will help keep your pet tired and out
of harms way during the festivities.
POISONOUS PLANTS
We all like making
our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage
and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we
have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If
ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be
potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs
and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea.
Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the
mouth and stomach upset. So when you brighten up your home, place
these plants well out of your pet’s reach, or use imitation holiday
plants.
TIP….There are many beautiful artificial versions of these same
plants. Try to incorporate these into your home wherever your pet
has access to the area. Leave the live plants to places where little
teeth and paws can’t get to them.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Christmas trees and
their decorations can create hazards for pets.
Place Christmas trees in a stable
stand, and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with
something like fish line. Some people will even hang their tree from
the ceiling! Be sure your dog is always supervised when in a room
with a tree.
Tree needles can be toxic and
cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of
artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your dog is not
chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.
Tinsel's shininess is attractive.
When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to
remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.
Angel hair, flocking, and
artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts,
however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. Try decorating
with something less likely to cause a problem.
Chewing on electrical cords,
including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned
mouths, to
electrical
shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights
can become quite hot, and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative
lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and
spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.
Because tree preservatives are
often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water
stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors
potentially harmful bacteria. Fertilizers, insecticides, or flame
retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water.
Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent
access to the water.
TIP…an exercise pen placed
around the tree is an excellent way to keep pets from getting near
your tree. They can be purchased at any pet store or on line and
will wrap around any size tree. They can be easily removed when
guests are over or the kids can hang stockings and other pet safe
decorations on it.
Dogs will often play with glass
ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can
result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet's
mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be
swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing
ornaments can go near the bottom.
TIP…There are wonderful
plastic ornaments out on the market now that are made to be child
and animal proof. They still look like glass but when they are
knocked off the tree by a wagging tail or a pesky paw, they will not
shatter. Save heirloom or favorite ornaments for the top part of the
tree where they will be safe.
Decorating trees with food is
asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as
enticing to your dog as they are to children. Popcorn, raisin, or
cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when
eaten, requiring surgery.
GIFTS UNDER THE TREE
Rawhide or other
edible items left under the tree can be very tempting, and remember
that many pet treats and toys are wrapped in plastic or decorated
with ribbon. Make sure to remove any decorative wrapping or plastic
before you present gifts to your dog. If played with and swallowed,
yarn, ribbon, or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction,
requiring surgery.
Perfumes and
after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfume also contains
essential oils which can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.
Batteries for toys or
other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Keep in a
safe place until they are ready to be inserted in the gift.
DECORATIONS AND GIFT WRAPPING
Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and
bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These
conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your
dog's neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous. Wrapping
paper can be very tempting to chew on or run away with. Make sure to
pick up and discard all wrappings from presents open on Christmas
morning.
TIP…if you are going to bring your pet into the festivities on
Christmas morning, keep them on a leash and close to you. If one of
the pup’s gifts is a nice new chewie, open that first to give your
pet something to do while you are opening your presents.
Adhesives and glues
can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.
Potpourri contains
oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating
it, but some curious pets may.
Candles can cause
burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within
reach of your pet.
Few things are more
tempting to a playful dog than a game of tug. This is not a good
game, however, to play with the end of a tablecloth. Try to keep
items such as tablecloths, table runners, etc., from hanging too low
to the floor, and tempting happy dogs running by to grab an end and
pull. Be careful about garland and stockings hung around the house
as well. If it can be reached by your dog’s mouth, it is fair game
to them to grab and run off with.
Many people enjoy a
fire in their fireplace during a good wintery night. Be very careful
about ashes and sparks that could land on your pet and burn them.
Make sure to keep the pet away from the fireplace during and after a
fire to avoid injury.
TIPS…have the number and address of the nearest emergency vet in an
easily accessible location. Many pet emergencies happen during the
night, over weekends, or holidays when your regular vet is closed.
Having the information ready to go can be life saving in an
emergency.
VISITORS
Some pets love visitors
and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. Some
puppies may urinate
when meeting people. Still, others may be too full of
holiday cheer and over-exuberant. Plan for how your dog will react
to visitors.
TIP…if you have trained
your dog to greet people before you have guests, it will be a lot
easier for them to know what is expected of them. Practice greeting
behaviors with your own family members to condition the dog to
respond to sit and stay when being greeted. Keep your dog on a leash
when guests arrive to keep everyone calm and in control
A quiet room, away from
the commotion with water and food available will help fearful dogs
be more comfortable. Getting your dog used to a crate is also a
valuable tool. If things become too hectic or scary, the crate
becomes a calm and safe place for the dog to go to.
TIPS…use a wire crate
early on in your puppy training. A wire crate or an exercise pen
gives the dog an opportunity to still be part of the family activity
by placing it in the most commonly used room of the house. Feed your
dog all meals and treats in the crate to condition them that it is a
fun place. Teach the dog to go to the crate on command so you don’t
have to chase him down to get him to go there when needed.
Brushing up on obedience
training before the holidays may help a dog who has become a little
rusty. Be sure to inform your visitors of any household 'rules' or
problem behaviors concerning your pets, e.g., sneaking out the door,
jumping up on the couch, getting food from the table, etc. If you
have guests sleeping over, make sure the dog is in a safe place at
night, your room with the door closed or in their crate so there are
no surprise visits in the middle of the night for your guests. It is
also not safe for the dog to be loose when a person who is not used
to having a dog is possibly wondering around in the middle of the
night.
For dogs that may not
behave or could be aggressive, placing them in a separate room,
using a baby gate, or a crate is the best option. Putting an
aggressive dog or a highly fearful dog in a stressful situation is
only asking for trouble. If the dog is a highly stressed animal, you
may want to consider boarding the dog with a family member or friend
or at a boarding kennel. No one will have any fun or be able to
relax if everyone is worried about what the dog might do. Be aware
though that boarding kennels are very busy during the holidays so
booking a reservation early on is a must.
TIPS…get your dog used
to being boarded early on in their lives. Even if you never have any
plans for traveling or needing a kennel right now, plans can change
and it is better for a dog to get used to this when they are young
and more resilient then older and more prone to stress. Arrange for
an overnight stay or even a weekend visit with the boarding place of
your choice while you are in town to make sure that the dog is
comfortable with the facilities.
Cleaning products such
as disinfectants get a lot of use during the holidays as we spiff up
our homes for visitors. Remember, many of these products can be
toxic to your pets.
When inviting visitors,
make sure they know you have a pet. If these
people have allergies, you
could help them by using a product such as Allerpet to decrease the
dander in the house. A visit to the groomer for a good bath and
brushing is also a good idea. A clean dog is must less prone to
shed.
If you are traveling
during the holidays, and need to leave your pet(s) at home, start to
make accommodations for your pet(s) early. Many boarding facilities
fill up very fast. Responsible pet sitters are a good alternative.
If they are unfamiliar with your house or pet(s) have them come over
and get acquainted before you leave.
A NEW PET AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT
New pets are not good
holiday gifts. If someone is thinking about getting a new pet or you
have decided to give your family the gift of a new puppy, wrap up a
leash and collar to put under the tree. You can also add in a
picture of a puppy and a note that gives the date you will be going
to pick up the new family member. A gift basket of dog toys, food,
or books on dog care is also a great gift for the person that is
wanted to get a new dog. A gift certificate for a training program
is an excellent gift to go along with a new puppy. Most trainers
will even have a program to help pick out the right dog or puppy for
you.
If you are thinking
about getting a new pet for yourself, remember pets need routine and
a time to bond with you. A puppy especially needs an enormous amount
of time and attention. With traveling to shop and visit friends and
family, with the excitement, and special hazards, there really is
little time to properly care for a puppy and attend to all their
needs. Even an older dog needs time to adjust to their new home with
as little added stress as possible.
An adoption of an older
puppy or dog is a wonderful alternative to getting a new puppy.
There are many many wonderful pets in shelters and rescue
organizations that would love to have a forever home for Christmas.
Try to put off getting
the new pet until after the holidays have passed and your routine
has returned to normal.
TIP…most responsible
breeders will not sell a puppy during the holiday season or
specifically as a Christmas present. A good alternative is to
arrange for a visit during the holiday to pick out the pup and
having the breeder hold the puppy till things settle down.
Since the holidays are
about the spirit of giving…why not give a little bit of your time to
some pets in need. Volunteer at the local shelter or adoption center
to walk the dogs, play or feed and spend time with the kitties.
There is such a huge need for people to come help keep the animals
company and happy. You will feel so good and the animals will love
you for it. If you can’t commit time to a shelter, think about
donating money or much needed items (food, cleaning supplies,
toys, and blankets) to a rescue organization. These things are
always needed as there are so many animals in need. You may even
want to consider donating to a rescue on behalf of a family member
or friend as their gift from you.
Pet Gifts and Treats
When choosing a holiday
gift for your special friend, be sure it is safe – no small pieces
that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy and safe
holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation. A new
collar or a new bed are excellent gifts for that special pet. A
training class, a new leash….a good grooming session are also great
gifts for your pet or for a pet of someone you love.
With all of the
festivities, don’t forget to relax and spend some quality time with
your pet. Go for a longer walk..give them an extra play session...
take some family pictures under the tree.
Your dog will think
that is the best gift of all.
