10 Holiday Safety Tips For Your Dog

The upcoming holidays can be a joyous time for your family, but they can be stressful and even dangerous for your dog. Changes in routine, the introduction of new objects like Christmas trees, unfamiliar people, and being left alone can upset any pet. The holidays may introduce new hazards you might not have considered.

Here are 10 tips for a safe holiday season for all, but especially for your dog.

1. Having guests over is one of the joys of the holidays. When they arrive, be especially careful when opening your front door so your dog doesn't dash out. One safety idea is to put him on a leash, which is under the leg of a heavy piece of furniture, when you open the door. Also make sure he is wearing identification tags or is micro chipped so that if he does get out and gets lost, whoever finds him can locate you easily. Another idea is to keep him in a separate room or fenced yard until all guests have arrived. Then let your dog join in the fun.

2. Even if your dog is good with children and has never bitten anyone, the added stress from excessive noise and activity may be just enough for that first bite. It's important to know where your dog is at all times, and always have someone supervising when dogs and children are together.

3. Keep your dog's regular daily routine. Feed and walk him at the same times as you usually do. Changing his routine can make him stressful, and he may seek attention by misbehaving. According to your dog, any attention, even if you are screaming at him, is better than no attention. Try to spend a little quiet time with him every day, It will help you, too.

4. Dogs will eat almost anything, so be very careful when you're cooking and baking. It's best not to give your dog even a taste of rich, unfamiliar food, especially chocolate! Turkey bones are hollow and can splinter easily, causing your dog to choke. A little taste of turkey meat is okay. Put all garbage in cans that have dog proof lids or are behind locked doors.

There are many dog treats made from human grade food. The best ones will be analyzed and registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is the agency that regulates all animal feed. Select these for the special treats for your dog during the holidays.

Try not to use toothpicks for hors d'oeuvres because your dog may eat them if they are dropped on the floor. They can get stuck in his throat or puncture internal organs.

5. Ask your guests not to feed your dog or let him drink any of their drinks. Tell them that he has been sick, and he must be very careful in what he is fed. A small amount of alcohol can put your dog in a coma. A drunken dog is not funny. Do you want to spend your holiday cleaning up after your dog or taking him to the emergency vet? If your guests absolutely must feed him something, give them a few of his favorite dog treats.

Find out the location of the nearest emergency vet in your area NOW. Don't lose precious moments during an emergency.

6. Choose the location for your Christmas tree carefully. Make sure it is well secured and that wiring is arranged so that your pet cannot become tangled in it. To minimize that risk, you may want to tie the tree to a ceiling hook. As much as possible, pet proof your tree by avoiding tinsel and garlands which are choking hazards, breakable ornaments and edible ornaments such as popcorn. Avoid putting decorations on the lowest tree branches. And, don't put gifts of food under the tree either for obvious reasons. Change the water for the tree frequently. It can contain pine tar which is poisonous, and if your dog drinks it, he can be in real trouble. Also, avoid putting any tree preserving chemicals in the water.

Lighted candles and oil lamps must be placed where it is impossible for pets to knock them over. Such an accident can not only be harmful to your pet, but it could burn your house down.

7. Almost all Christmas plants are thought to be poisonous to pets such as holly, mistletoe, ivy, Christmas cactus, and poinsettias. If you want to use these decorations, place them well out of reach of curious noses.

8. If other people bring gifts for your pet, inspect the gift first to be sure it is appropriate and safe. Especially beware of small toys or parts of toys that could choke your pet or cause other injury.

9. Much of the country experiences cold weather during the holidays. Don't let the festivities of the season distract you from protecting your outdoor pet from the cold. In other words, make sure your pet is accounted for, warm, cozy, or inside before you have that second glass of bubbly.

10. Finally, if you will be going away for the holidays and leaving your pets at home you will need to arrange for a trusted neighbor or professional pet sitter to take care of them. Keeping your pets at home in their own, familiar environment is far better than placing them in a kennel. Cheaper, too.

Plan for your sitter well in advance. If you're using a new pet sitting service, be sure to check references. Make certain you have provided the sitter a check list and that they understand it thoroughly. The check list must cover such items as food, water, and walking and exercise instructions; emergency instructions; phone numbers; and the location of nearest, favorite vet or pet hospital. Make sure the sitter can get in touch with you.

Keeping your pet safe during the holidays is simply using the same common sense you use the rest of the year. With a little thought and planning, you, your pet, and your guests can have a safe and happy holiday.