Tips For The Holidays

As exciting as the holidays are, sometimes all the strange people, noises, and things going on can be overwhelming to your furry friends. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all around the corner, here's some helpful hints to get you through the holidays.

General Tips:
Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine - try not to vary your dog's feeding, walking, or playtime schedule

Avoid giving your dog table scraps as some of the foods we enjoy can be harmful or deadly to our pets. As a reminder, alcohol is also toxic to dogs.

If you host or bring your dog to a party, remember that some guests may not be comfortable with dogs and as a result, their energy (see energy blog post) may frighten or make your dog uncomfortable or just being around strange, new people in general may cause your dog to be uneasy.

Halloween:
Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets. All forms of chocolate can be dangerous and even lethal to dogs. Small amounts of Xylitol can cause liver failure and death in dogs.

Don't leave pets out in the yard - vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, or even kill pets on Halloween night.

Keep pets confined and away from the door as they may try to run out or be started by unknown strangers approaching their territory

Keep lit pumpkins, electric and battery-powered Halloween decorations out of reach.

Thanksgiving:
Turkey bones can pose a choking risk to dogs. Avoid giving your dog any bones from human food. Raw yeast can also be a life-threatening food. It's best to all around avoid giving your dog table scraps to avoid issues.

Keep an eye on the holiday table and secure leftovers and garbage bins from curious dogs

Christmas:
Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs. Keep these out of reach. Avoid edible ornaments, cranberry, or popcorn string as your dog may knock over the tree in attempt to reach them.

Lights on lower branches of Christmas trees can overheat and burn your dog. Watch out for electrical cords as some dogs may chew them and get electrocuted.

Avoid glass ornaments which can break and easily cut a dog's feet and mouth. Tinsel is also dangerous to dogs as it can obstruct circulation and if swallowed, block the intestines.

Both live and artificial tree needles are sharp and indigestible. Consider blocking off your tree with a baby gate, play pen, or other "fence"

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