The holidays are a fun time full of celebrations and good cheer, but it is important to consider how to best keep your four-legged friends safe and happy through Christmas. Holidays present some dangers to our pets that don’t typically need consideration, and it is important to safeguard things so your dog has a happy and healthy holiday.
The obvious dangers are the vast quantity of food and sweets around this time that could cause some definite tummy troubles and the dangers of the Christmas tree itself. Still, as a Finchley dog walker, I feel many overlooked dangers should be addressed.
Holiday Plants
Many people believe that holiday plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses are dangerous to animals. While it is true that they can cause minor mouth irritation and other mild unpleasantness, plants such as mistletoe and holly are far more dangerous.
If these plants are consumed, your dog can become very ill, with symptoms such as vomiting, heart arrhythmia and diarrhoea as they are toxic to your beloved pooch.
Alcohol
A silly houseguest may think your pooch would enjoy a nip, or the pup could stumble upon an unattended glass, but steps should be taken to avoid this because alcohol is dangerous to dogs. You should never allow your pet to ingest alcohol because it depresses the nervous system and can be harmful. Symptoms of a dog who has consumed alcohol are dizziness, disorientation, tremors, seizures and even coma, to name a few.
Electrical Cords and Light Strands
Some animals, especially dogs, are chewers. This annoying habit can become quite dangerous with strings of lights and the abundance of electrical cords to power all holiday decorations. Chewing electrical cords can cause burns to the mouth, difficulty breathing, and even cardiac arrest. Stringed lights present their problem because, in addition to having electricity, the glass bulbs can damage a dog’s mouth and stomach.
Tinsel and Ribbon
Glittering tinsel on the tree and curled ribbons on gifts are staples of the holiday season but can mean big trouble for your precious pooch. Avoid making a pretty tinsel collar, as this can be a choking hazard. If ingested, tinsel and ribbon can be very harmful if swallowed. Tonsils and lengths of ribbon can cause obstructions in the body and lacerations in the digestive tract.
Take care of your dog this holiday season with the above advice, and you’ll save yourself a very upsetting and perhaps very expensive Christmastime.