If you're reading this, you most likely have a dog (or two, or three!) and love to involve them in the holiday festivities. We buy them presents, wrap them, put them under the tree, plan their Christmas dinner, and some of us even buy them an advent calendar!
But does putting up your Christmas tree fill you with dread, knowing your pup will find it all so exciting? Dogs often see it as the ultimate new plaything – after all, you're bringing in their very own spectacular pee post! How amazing is that for them?
While it’s great fun for your dog, there are many hazards that come with having a Christmas tree, especially if your pup is still in the chewing stage. Everything becomes theirs for the taking! Here are some safety tips for dog owners to keep in mind this holiday season:
Christmas Trees: Pine needles from real trees can cause stomach upsets or even internal damage due to their sharpness. Decorations, especially those made with toxic materials like glitter, glue, and paint, can be dangerous if ingested. Metal hooks and broken ornaments can also cause internal harm.
Chocolates: Many families hang chocolates on the tree, but chocolate is toxic to dogs. It’s best to avoid this tradition altogether or hang them high enough that your dog can't reach. But if there's any chance your dog might knock the tree over, it's better to leave the chocolates off completely.
Christmas Lights: These pose an electrocution risk if chewed, so be sure to keep cords out of reach.
Poisonous Plants: Poinsettia plants, holly, mistletoe, and ivy are all toxic to dogs, so keep them well out of reach.
Of course, we love to treat our pups during the holidays, and the odd pig in a blanket won’t hurt. However, there are some foods you should absolutely avoid. Here are more safety tips for dog owners:
Chocolate: As most dog owners know, chocolate is poisonous for dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, heart issues, or even death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Grapes and Raisins: These are found in holiday treats like mince pies, Christmas cake, and pudding, and they can cause serious kidney issues in dogs.
Alcohol: Found in many holiday foods and drinks, alcohol can be extremely harmful to dogs. Even certain gravies may contain it.
Onions and Garlic: Both of these ingredients are harmful to dogs, so be cautious with holiday foods like gravy, stuffing, and vegetarian roasts that may contain them.
Artificial Sweeteners: Xylitol, commonly found in sweets, biscuits, and jellies, is highly toxic to dogs.
On the flip side, what leftovers can we give our dogs?
Any plain, cooked meat (without bones).
Most vegetables (as long as they’re not from the onion family).
Potatoes, especially sweet potatoes.
Be careful with gravies, as they often contain high amounts of salt, and remember that new foods may cause digestive upset. You don’t want your dog getting sick in front of your holiday guests! Also, take your dog’s allergies or health conditions into account when sharing food.
Lastly, Christmas can be overwhelming for dogs, especially if they are puppies, rescues, elderly, or ill. Even just having a Christmas tree in the house can trigger canine anxiety. Make sure your dog has a safe, quiet space to retreat to when needed.
By following these safety tips for dog owners, you can help your pup have a safe and enjoyable holiday season without the added stress or risk!
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