Safety Tips for the busy Holiday Season
December brings a certain hustle-and-bustle into the atmosphere. Homes are decorated with lights both inside and out, packages are delivered, parties are hosted and treats are shared. As we celebrate the season, our dogs will probably feel the energy in the air, and they’ll definitely be curious about everything that’s going on. Since our furry friends don’t really know their limits when it comes to exploring everything new, here are a few reminders of how to keep them safe during the holidays:
Keep Extension Chords Tucked Away
With lights adorning trees inside and front yards outside, there’s bound to be an extension chord or two lying around. Those chords can be tempting to chew on, so best to keep them well out of the way. Outside chords are often plugged in right next to the front step, so if your dog likes to sit on your front step to watch the world go by, make sure the chord doesn’t run across their resting space. As we all know from Christmas Vacation, curiosity killed the cat.
Poinsettias and Pets Don’t Mix
Though these seasonal plants aren’t as toxic to pets as you may have been led to believe, your dog will still be uncomfortable if he or she decides to sample a few leaves from the new salad bar you introduce into the room. Response to ingestion may include vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea, none of which are fun for you or the dog to deal with.
Know Where Your Dog Is Before the Door Opens
If you shop for Christmas gifts online or if you’re hosting a party, you may feel like your door is constantly being opened to accept packages or welcome guests. Your curious dog will want to greet visitors or see who else is outside, so know where the dog is before the door opens. Our incredibly enthusiastic dog would be half way down the street in the blink of an eye if we didn’t keep her within our grasp when the door opens.
Dispose of All Packaging Materials
If you’re opening packages or gifts this season, be extra vigilant about small packaging parts that could cause harm. Think staples, twist ties, packing pellets, along with any plastic or tape. Your dog will be happy to clean up after you, which could put them in harm’s way
Manage Expectations About Impulse Control
We know how excited kids get during big celebrations; their impulse control goes straight out the window. Dogs take this to another level. Their excitement ramps at the mere sniff of something interesting in the air, so it’s unlikely they’ll leave a plate of treats alone if left unsupervised. Keep boxes of chocolates out of their range, as we know chocolate makes dogs sick. Dogs are opportunists, and even the most well behaved can be tempted in moments of excitement. If they see something yummy and the coast is clear, they’ll go for it.
Be Aware of the Temperature Outdoors
If your dog heads outside for a bathroom break or to get away from a party crowd, be sure to watch their cues to come back inside. Especially in places with colder temperatures or snow, they can’t tolerate being outside for all that long, even though they’re covered in fur.
With more people around and lots of celebrating going on during the holidays, the family pet might get less attention than they normally would. Make some specific time during the day for you or the kids to take the dog out for a good solid play, a run, or a wrestle with other dogs. A tired dog is a good dog, and letting them ‘run off steam’ will help them stay calm as your house fills up with friends for festivities. Knowing where the dog is and keeping his or her space clear will ensure that everyone, including the vet, has a happy and restful holiday.