Keeping Your Dog Safe During Christmas 🎅🐕
The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with joy, treats, and festive decorations, but it also brings several hazards for our furry friends. Here’s how you can keep your dog safe and happy during the Christmas festivities.
Watch What They Eat
The Christmas table is laden with foods that, while delicious for humans, pose significant risks to dogs. Chocolate is a well-known no-no; it contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine that is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, while larger doses may lead to seizures, heart issues, or even death. All chocolate types, including milk, semi-sweet, and baking chocolate, are hazardous.
Christmas puddings and mince pies are equally dangerous. These holiday staples often contain raisins, sultanas, and currants that are highly toxic to dogs, as well as alcohol, which is harmful to pets. Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure or other serious health issues. See here, for how to transform our dog cake into a fun Christmas pudding which they are sure to love.
Tinsel and Ornaments: A Sparkling Hazard
Pets are naturally curious and playful, which can sometimes lead to trouble with holiday decorations. Tinsel, is all sparkly and shinny and sure to grab their attention, but if eaten can cause dogs to choke or block their intestines. Same with Christmas ornaments. Watch out that your dog doesn’t bite down on an ornament as they can easily break, cutting up their mouth.
Keeping Warm in Cold Weather
With the drop in temperatures, it's crucial to ensure your dog stays warm and comfortable:
Apparel: Ensure your dog wears a suitable coat, particularly if they are a breed with a thin coat, are very young, or are elderly.
Paw care: Regularly clean your dog’s paws and check for salt and grit to prevent cracked pads. Applying petroleum jelly can help heal and protect their paws and noses from the harsh winter air.
Indoor activities: Increase indoor stimulation with new toys or games to keep them active even when it’s too cold for regular walks.
Diet adjustments: Monitor your dog’s food intake, especially if they are less active in winter. For dogs spending considerable time outdoors, consider increasing their calorie intake to help them stay warm.
Visibility in Early Darkness
Winter means shorter days. To keep your dog safe during evening walks, use reflective gear, such as vests for both you and your dog, and consider attaching lights to your dog’s collar. These precautions make it easier for drivers and other pedestrians to see you both during walks in low light conditions.
Conclusion
By being aware of these holiday and winter hazards, you can ensure that both you and your furry friend enjoy a safe and delightful Christmas season. Visit our website for more pet safety tips and browse our collection of dog-safe treats and toys designed with your pet's happiness and well-being in mind.