Be Prepared for These 12 Canine Christmas Dangers
The holidays are a busy season for all! Even your dogs can sense a change in the pattern of their daily life and intuitively pick up on a pet parents’ excitement during this time of year. Dogs can “read the room!” During all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to put a dog’s needs on the back burner. But don’t! Savvy pet parents are pro-active when it comes to Christmas and holiday safety for their dog. Take these 12 things into consideration for a safer season for your pets.
Food
1) Chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine which can cause seizures and heart rhythm problems in your pets.
2) Nuts are a problem. Not only are they a choking hazard, but certain nuts, like macadamia, can cause vomiting.
3) Raisins and grapes can lead to kidney failure.
4) Onions can cause cell damage and anemia. Same thing for garlic and leeks.
5) Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are found in many foods and can be life-threatening to dogs.
6) Cooked Bones fed to a dog can splinter and cause internal injury.
Environment
7) Christmas plants, including mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly are toxic to animals when ingested. Keep them well out of reach of pets!
8) De-Icing materials (used on roads and sidewalks in icy areas) contain salt which can lead to many health issues. Dogs may ingest it by licking it off their paws or by drinking a puddle of melted snow.
9) A real pine tree, while festive, can cause issues for your four-legged friends. Dogs may swallow pine needles and often try to drink the tree water. Consider an artificial tree, or make sure any tree water has a pet-friendly preservative.
10) Ornaments are shiny and attractive to your pet. So are decorations like tinsel. All of these are problematic if ingested or stepped on for animals. Keep everything high enough so a pet can’t reach it.
11) Wires, like those for indoor and outdoor holiday lights, can electrocute a dog who has no clue and starts to chew.
12) Wrapping paper, bows, and string. When these are swallowed they can cause intestinal obstruction which can lead to surgery.
Be Prepared for These 12 Canine Christmas Dangers
The holidays are a busy season for all! Even your dogs can sense a change in the pattern of their daily life and intuitively pick up on a pet parents’ excitement during this time of year. Dogs can “read the room!” During all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to put a dog’s needs on the back burner. But don’t! Savvy pet parents are pro-active when it comes to Christmas and holiday safety for their dog. Take these 12 things into consideration for a safer season for your pets.
Food
1.Chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine which can cause seizures and heart rhythm problems in your pets.
2. Nuts are a problem. Not only are they a choking hazard, but certain nuts, like macadamia, can cause vomiting.
3. Raisins and grapes can lead to kidney failure.
4. Onions can cause cell damage and anemia. Same thing for garlic and leeks.
5. Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are found in many foods and can be life-threatening to dogs.
6. Cooked Bones fed to a dog can splinter and cause internal injury.
Environment
7. Christmas plants, including mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly are toxic to animals when ingested. Keep them well out of reach of pets!
8. De-Icing materials (used on roads and sidewalks in icy areas) contain salt which can lead to many health issues. Dogs may ingest it by licking it off their paws or by drinking a puddle of melted snow.
9. A real pine tree, while festive, can cause issues for your four-legged friends. Dogs may swallow pine needles and often try to drink the tree water. Consider an artificial tree, or make sure any tree water has a pet-friendly preservative.
10. Ornaments are shiny and attractive to your pet. So are decorations like tinsel. All of these are problematic if ingested or stepped on for animals. Keep everything high enough so a pet can’t reach it.
11. Wires, like those for indoor and outdoor holiday lights, can electrocute a dog who has no clue and starts to chew.
12. Wrapping paper, bows, and string. When these are swallowed they can cause intestinal obstruction which can lead to surgery.