How To Make It A Happy And Safe Christmas For Your Dog

We can’t wait the Christmas tree is up, the decorations are out and there’s an advent calendar for every child and chocolate-lover in the house. But during the holiday festivities, do you know where your dog is?

Pet owners are aware that chocolate and dogs don’t go together, but there are other holiday dangers people often overlook. From food to ornaments to extra visitors your dog might not be used to, there are a number of precautions to keep in mind during the holidays.

While it’s unlikely your pooch will sniff out and tear into the tiny reindeer- and star-shaped chocs, the advent calendar probably isn’t the only source of chocolate strewn throughout your home at this time of year. Make sure kids also know that chocolate and other sweets can make pets poorly and that wrappers can be tempting, too. It might even encourage the little ones to keep the house tidy!

 

Other ‘people’ foods also pose problems to a greater or lesser degree, which is why it’s a good idea to stick to your dog’s regular pet food rather than table scraps, and ask any visitors not to give into those big, begging eyes. Common foods to keep out of Fido’s way include:

 

• Onions, garlic, shallots: Can cause harm to dogs’ red blood cells if ingested in significant quantities. More concentrated forms, such as garlic salt, are even more dangerous.

• Grapes and raisins: While small amounts of these won’t always harm dogs, they can so sometimes cause kidney failure.

• Potatoes: There’s some debate about whether cooked potatoes are good or bad for dogs, but green or undercooked potatoes and potato skins are a definite no-no. If you are bulking out your dog’s regular food with ‘people’ food, plain cooked rice is probably a better option.

• Bread dough, cake mixture and other uncooked treats: You might like a cheeky bite of gingerbread biscuit mix, but it’s best to keep it away from your dog, whose stomach can’t cope with yeast and other ingredients found in uncooked baked goods.

 

During the celebratory Christmas period, other festive foods pose problems for dogs, including:

 

• Cooked poultry: Not only are the brittle bones of cooked turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks bad for dogs, but the skin is too rich because it usually contains hard-to-digest quantities of oil or butter, and spices that can cause canine tummy upset. The same goes for gravy.

• Other spices, particularly sage and nutmeg: Can contain potentially fatal toxins.

• Alcohol: Dogs love the sweetness of alcohol, but the hops in beer are especially bad for them.

• Nuts: Many nuts, such as walnuts, macadamias and pistachios can cause health problems for dogs, but peanut butter is fine and most dogs love it. Peanut butter can be used to trick dogs into taking a tablet, though they’ll sometimes find a way of spitting it out!

• Foods with some artificial sweeteners, from chewing gum to sugar-free baked goods: Can cause dogs’ blood sugar levels to take a severe drop.

 

If you have small children, you’ve probably kept the candles, glass Christmas tree baubles and other fragile decorations packed away until they’re older. But frolicking dogs might accidentally break delicate tree ornaments, chew on the lights or tinsel, or knock over a lit candle, so keep an eye on pets or keep them out of rooms where there are holiday decorations. Don’t let them near any presents they could chew and be sure to keep poinsettias, holly berries and mistletoe well away from kids and pets, as the leaves cause irritation and the berries are poisonous.

 

Finally, have a plan for any holiday surprises that your dog may not take well to. Is he or she tolerant around strangers and children? Will your dog become frightened, agitated or aggressive if lots of people are visiting or if posties and delivery drivers – or even carol singers – are coming to the door? Without keeping your dog away from the fun, try to find an out-of-the-way place where he or she will feel safe and content if the holiday hustle and bustle becomes too much. And don’t forget a new chew toy or treat for Christmas morning!