Holiday Safety Tips

As the holidays (Halloween, Christmas) are approaching us (and the snow for that matter) I thought it would be a great idea to give all you dog owners some safety tips for around this glorious season! Even though it's early it's never late to be prepared.

FOOD: Human Treats are NOT Dog Treats

1. Chocolate: We've all heard it before, "don't feed your dog chocolate". But do you know the reason why? Chocolate contains Theobromine (high doses of caffeine). Theobromine is a stimulant found in the coca plant, which can increase the heart rate and cause the dogs heart to beat too fast, then causing seizures and even a coma! Theobromine is absorbed differently into the blood stream in dogs than in humans.

2. Fruit cake: Raisins and Grapes have been known to cause renal failure in dogs, so don't sneak your dog any of your grandmas fruit cake!

3. Dispose of foil and other food wrappings safely. Even empty, they smell great to your dog. If she gobbles them down, you can face anything from a smelly mess to a trip to the emergency vet. Put that garbage away while your cleaning up!

4. Skip the leftovers, like turkey and stuffing to your dog. Onions can lead to anemia in dogs, and fatty, rich foods can cause pancreatitis. Even a taste can be trouble, dogs generally don’t handle new foods very well, and the result is messy. Trust me on this one, I've had to experience it hands on!

DECORATIONS

1. Beware of what you may or may not think your dog will chomp on. If your dog has an adventurous taste keep those decorations up high.

2. Candles and crackling fires are set the mood for a holiday night. But beware of wagging tails and tender noses. Keep an eye on your dog when lighting up your house.


3. Christmas trees are a must for the holidays. If you have a new dog that has never seen a Christmas tree, have your dog around when setting it up and decorating it. Let your dog sniff it out but SET UP BOUNDARIES or put the tree in a spot of the house where the dog is not allowed. I have known males in the past that figure marking a tree was a great idea. Don't forget about the presents under the tree, make sure your dog knows NOT to touch.

PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

1. Parties are fun for humans but some dogs find them very stressful. New people, loud noises, disruption of routines, different smells. For those dogs that have a hard time handling guests coming over make a designated spot for them, a safe haven. Give them toys or bones for distractions. Put a familiar bed/crate in a room for them. Here are some things to look for if your dog is stressed: Pacing, deep breathing/panting, barking, crouching or stiff movements, growling/snarling, excessive lip licking, trembling, or excess salvation. Do your dog a favour and tuck them away for the night with something rewarding and that they love.

2. Make sure your guests know the rules of the house for your dogs. No begging, no human food, no jumping up etc. You don't want to set back all your hard work of training.

3. If you're having family stay with you for an extended period of time your dog may become over tired from all the stimuli. Give your dog a break, nap time is a great way for a dog to rest its brain and body. Again have a safe haven for your dog to go and rest.