Planning for your pet's safety should be a part of your preparations when considering how you will spend the Christmas season with your family and four-legged companions. With all the games and antics we hope to have with our adorable animal friends this holiday season, it's crucial to keep them safe. Here are our top six recommendations for keeping your dog healthy and happy throughout the season.
Holly, ornaments, and holiday décor
Although your dog may think of holiday decorations as entertaining toys, they can be be harmful, especially if consumed. Holly and glass ornaments can cut you, while tinsel, garland, and little ornaments can be eaten and result in foreign body blockages in the intestines. Make sure that any decorations are out of reach of your pet at all times.
Everything is quite bright
Seasonal candles are nice and typically have a wonderful scent as well, but if your pet is not used to them, they could become overly curious and investigate.
Never leave your pet alone with an open flame since this can result in singed whiskers, burned paws, or even fires.
Your pet might show the same curiosity in the electrical cords that connect all of your lights. To avoid accidents, make sure to utilize circuit breakers and tuck cords away wherever you can.
Christmas Feast
Everybody wants to give their pets a taste of the delicious Christmas treats. Make sure you stay away from poisonous foods like chocolate, alcohol, dates, grapes, raisins, sultanas, onions, and garlic. The best meal to prepare for your pet is basic, cooked turkey with some delectable crunchy vegetables! Additionally, holly berries and mistletoe can lead to gastroenteritis, so be cautious to prevent your pet from consuming any.
circling the Christmas tree while rocking
If you have a live tree, be careful that the soft tissues in your pet's mouth or on their paw pads may become entangled in the needles. To prevent these blunders, keep your tree well-watered and routinely remove the needles. Additionally, you should check that your tree is securely fastened to a foundation to prevent inadvertent toppling by your pet.
Keep tempting treat packages out of your pet's reach when giving them gifts, and be careful with bows, ribbons, and other wrapping materials because they could look to your pet like new toys.
A stroll through a winter wonderland
Be cautious of the chilly ground on his paws when taking your dog for a stroll in the cold weather. Avoid stepping on frozen grass, and be cautious of salt grit that might result in contact dermatitis. After a snowy stroll, wipe your dog's feet with baby wipes or a damp towel.
Happy New Year as well
Many cats and dogs may become anxious around New Year's fireworks. Make sure your pet is relaxed, at ease, and has a safe haven in case the outside world starts to seem unsettling. If your pet is exhibiting signs of dread, shut the blinds and distract him with the TV or radio rather than coddling him because this will just serve to confirm that your pet has every reason to be concerned.
It's possible to have a wonderful holiday season with your pet if you plan ahead. A daily check of your holiday decorations, gifts, lights, and other objects will help you become aware of any potential problems. Don't forget to give your pet lots of extra love and cuddles now and throughout the year—after all, they deserve it!
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