Dear Val,
Could you please post a list of holiday safety reminders for pets? Thank you
Dear Holiday Preventative Pup Dad,
Thank you for the request.
As we venture into the Christmas season, sharing your first, second, or even third Christmas, can impose certain dangers unbeknownst to us as we routinely set up our displays of treasured ornaments and décor. Once upon a time these items were merely a joyous holiday display, but to your new puppy or young dog, these things can become their very own winter wonderland of frolic and frenzy. By putting some forethought into your new Christmas routine, you can prevent some broken, ingested, and toppled over Christmas novelties, as well as avoid a vet visit to boot.
Here is a list of holiday items that can create potential hazards for your pup:
Christmas trees,
(Get a tabletop version or put a pen around it), Christmas tree water, Tinsel, Lights, Electrical cords, Ornaments, (I have to place my doggie attractive ornaments higher up on the tree and out of reach), Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly, Ribbon, Holiday lighting and Candles, to name a few.
Foods:
Turkey bones, items made with Xylitol (Gum and Mints and Candy, some Pepto Bismal Products), Chocolate, Alcohol, and Potpourri, to name a few.
Holidays can be stressful for your pet. Lots of hustle, bustle, routine changes and family members and guests that your dog has never met before. Make sure to offer kind gestures to your guests on how to behave around your dog. For example, allow shy timid dogs to approach guests first. Don’t force yourself upon a dog. Don’t stare at dogs, this can make some dogs feel uncomfortable, it’s ok to gaze. Do not feed your dog anything without permission. Make sure to allow a quiet place for your rover to retreat to. Time out places should be a happy place with a Kong or treat to chew on versus solitary confinement when company arrives. Rawhide products if given at all should be closely monitored as they can become a choking hazard. When you have multiple dogs in the home, be sure to observe for any tension mounting and prevent doggie altercations over new Xmas toys or treats. Some dogs need doggie alone time or space to enjoy their new holiday goodies. On that note,
Happy Pawlidays to you and yours.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com
Make it a Pawsitive Day!
Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
Woofs of Wisdom:
Puppies are not just for Christmas, they are for life!!!
The Daily Dog:
Stormy is the daily dog. Stormy was found 5 years ago wondering the hills of Cobb displaced after the Valley fire. Taken to Animal Control as an older abandoned dog, he was scheduled for euthanasia. There was some attraction about him to his new dog dad, who says about Stormy, “He wasn’t going down on my watch.” “Stormy is just a dog,” says dad. “He loves people and loves dogs. He doesn’t know any obedience. He’s just a dog. He was happy with that and I let that be his existence.”
Stormys’ profile has a special significance for me as for he has crossed over the rainbow bridge since I met him just a short week ago. He was a gentle dog spirit that grabbed my attention and his dad is a generous big-hearted man.
If you would like to send a cute photo with a description or short story about your favorite furry friend, please send it to HappyLabLady77@yahoo.com
