~by Nomi Berger for Pit Bull Rescue Central
With the holidays
approaching, it’s time to think not only about celebrating, but also about dog
safety.
To ensure that the season
stays merry and bright, plan ahead and start early. Change your home from
everyday to holiday decor gradually, over a period of several weeks. This will
allow your dog time to grow comfortable with everything from new or additional
furniture and tabletop arrangements to wall and window decorations.
To
encourage your dog to view this as something positive, reinforce the positivity
by keeping him occupied with Kongs filled with cheese spread or peanut butter,
or puzzle toys to puzzle over while you slowly transform the space around him.
Be sure to maintain your
dog’s normal feeding and walking schedules. And unless you know from past
experience that his doggy bed, crate or favorite blanket should be moved to a
room far from the festivities, don’t make any changes to your dog’s “go to”
place for security.
Whether you’re hosting one
event or several, follow the same routine to minimize your dog’s potential
uneasiness. Ask any unfamiliar guests and all children to calmly ignore your
dog. Monitor your dog for any signs of anxiety or stress, and lead him to his
“safe” place if necessary.
On the other hand, if he appears relaxed and is
happily going from guest to guest, provide them with some of his favorite
treats to keep him eating out of their hands.
Be conscientious and
careful about the greenery you bring into your home. The sap of the poinsettia
plant is considered mildly toxic, and can cause nausea or vomiting in your dog.
Holly is considered moderately toxic
and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, whereas mistletoe is severely
toxic and can cause everything from gastrointestinal disorders to
cardiovascular problems. Christmas trees are considered mildly
toxic. Their oils can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, causing excessive
drooling and/or vomiting, while their prickly needles are hazardous to your
dog’s entire gastrointestinal tract.
Wherever possible, keep all plants beyond
your dog’s reach, or else watch him carefully for signs of curiosity in the
plant or the impulse to either lick or chew. To err on the side of caution, consider
buying an artificial plant.
As appetizing as holiday
fare is for people, it can prove agonizing, even lethal for pets. The most
notorious offenders are….
- GRAPES. Although the precise substance that causes the toxicity in grapes is unknown (some dogs can eat grapes without incident, while others can eat one and become seriously ill), keep them away from your dog.
- HAM. High in salt and fat, it can lead to stomach upsets and, over time, pancreatitis.
- MACADAMIA NUTS. Within 12 hours of eating macadamia nuts, dogs can experience weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia (increased body temperature), lasting between 12 and 48 hours. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
- BONES. Rib roasts, lamb chops, turkey, chicken, and duck all have bones. Thick ones and thin ones. Brittle, fragmented and splintered. Whatever the size, shape or texture, they all spell the same thing: danger, which can include throat scratches, stomach perforations, and bowel obstructions. To safeguard against these painful possibilities, all leftovers, particularly bones, should be carefully wrapped and disposed of promptly.
- ALCOHOL. It’s traditional to celebrate the holidays with more alcohol than usual— both in cooking and in drinks such as eggnog and fruit punch. For safety’s sake, keep these temptations (including partially eaten plates of food and half-empty glasses) out of the reach of your dog.
- CHOCOLATES. Although chocolate has long been taboo for dogs, most chocolate comes gift wrapped in foil for the holidays. Now, not only can your dog get sick from eating the chocolate, the wrapper itself can get stuck in your dog’s throat or cause problems as it works its way through your dog’s digestive tract.
- CHRISTMAS PUDDING, CAKE AND MINCE PIE. All three are filled with currants, raisins and sultanas (the “dried” version of grapes) and therefore pose the same health risk. They are also made with fat and suet, and laced with alcohol—from scotch and brandy to sugary liqueurs—all of which can cause severe stomach upsets.
With some careful planning
beforehand, you and your dog can be assured of spending the happiest and safest
of holidays together.
