24/12/2017
Canine Christmas Safety Tips
BY CURE & HEAL PET CLINIC
1-Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year for most of us but with a lot of forbidden foods and decorations within reach, it can be a very busy time for veterinary practices around the country!
Here are some suggestions to ensure your dog enjoys a happy and healthy Christmas:
1- While you’re gift wrapping, it’s probably best if your dog is in another room enjoying a tasty chewy treat. Wrapping paper and string are very easy to get hold of and can cause severe intestinal issues if swallowed. Also, nobody wants dog hair stuck to the tape on their Christmas presents.
2- When decorating your tree, try not to use glass decorations and keep tinsel up high and away from your dog. Make sure to clean up tree needles to protect those paws and ensure your dog doesn’t chew holly, mistletoe & yew as they are poisonous.
3- If you are having guests over, try and stick to your normal daily routine and ensure your dog is walked and fed at the usual time. Chances are he will be nice and relaxed when people arrive and might even enjoy a little snooze.
4- If your dog gets giddy or excitable when friends and family visit, help calm him by distracting him with a long lasting tasty treat, such as a frozen Kong or K9 Connectables. If children are visiting and your dog is not used to little people or they are not used to dogs, have a chat with the family beforehand to make sure the children understand not to approach your dog if he is eating or sleeping.
5- It may also be an idea to create a nice quiet and comfortable area with fresh water that only the dog is allowed to go to; so he can remove himself to if he’s finding the experience too stressful. He will no doubt let you know when he’s ready to re-join the action!
6- Most of us like to indulge over Christmas and of course, so do our dogs but you need to make sure they stick to dog-friendly treats. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and alcohol are toxic to dogs
