11/12/2024
🐾 Keep Your Dogs Safe This Christmas 🎅
Christmas is a magical time of year, but it’s also a season filled with hidden hazards for dogs. To help your dog stay safe and happy over the festive period, here are some common Christmas dangers to watch out for:
🎄 Christmas Trees
Your beautifully decorated tree might look harmless, but it can be a source of trouble. Pine needles, if ingested, can irritate your dog’s stomach or even puncture their intestines. Additionally, fallen needles can get lodged in your dog’s paws, causing discomfort or infection. Vacuum around the tree regularly, secure it to prevent it from toppling or being knocked over, and block access to the base to keep your dog safe.
🍫 Toxic Treats
Chocolate is a staple of Christmas, but it’s toxic to dogs. Other festive foods like mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, and anything containing raisins, sultanas, grapes, onions, or alcohol can also be harmful. Keep human food and treats well out of reach and stick to dog-safe goodies for your canine companion.
✨ Decorations
Shiny ribbons, tinsel, and baubles are tempting for curious dogs but can cause choking or blockages if swallowed. Avoid placing edible decorations like chocolate ornaments within reach of your dog. If your tree is securely anchored and there’s no risk of it being knocked over, you could hang edible treats higher up where your dog can’t access them. Regularly check for and pick up fallen decorations to prevent accidents.
🎁 Gifts
While it's traditional to place gifts under the tree, edible gifts might seem secure when wrapped, but dogs’ incredible sense of smell means they can easily sniff them out. Store edible presents in secure containers or well out of reach to avoid the risk of your dog unwrapping and consuming them when no one is looking. Monitor your dog while opening gifts to ensure they don’t make off with something dangerous, like small toys or wrapping materials that could cause them harm.
🕯️ Candles and Lights
Flickering candles and fairy lights create a cosy atmosphere, but they can pose a risk to pets. Dogs can accidentally knock over candles, leading to burns or fires so keep them well out of reach. Chewing on electrical cords, such as those for Christmas tree lights, can result in shocks or burns so keep electrical cables securely tucked away or covered to prevent access.
🌱 Festive Plants
Plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies are all toxic to dogs if ingested. These plants may also shed leaves or berries, creating a hazard even if they’re placed out of reach. If you’re decorating with greenery, opt for pet-safe alternatives or regularly check for and clean up fallen leaves or berries to keep your dog safe.
💡 Overexcitement and Stress
Christmas can be overwhelming with all the noise, visitors, and changes to routine. Create a quiet space where your dog can retreat if they’re feeling stressed, and stick to their usual feeding and walking schedule as much as possible.
A little extra care can make all the difference, ensuring the holidays are as enjoyable for your dog as they are for you. If an accident does happen, keep your vet’s contact details handy or know the number for an out-of-hours emergency vet.
Have a safe and merry Christmas with your canine companion - and don’t forget to share these tips with fellow dog owners to help keep every dog safe this festive season! 🐾🎅
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