Today we are going to talk about Holiday Safety Tips For Dogs!
It is the Holiday Season, and many look forward to celebrating with family and friends, decorating their homes with Christmas decorations and lights, and of course, lots of food, drinks, and fun!
However, it is important to remember that your dog can be stressed by all of the visitors, get sick from eating what is not safe for him, or even get hurt by the decorations.
As an important member of the family, your pup deserves attention and care so that the end of the year celebrations are happy and safe for him as well.
Check out the main holiday safety tips for dogs below!
Front Door
With the increased flow of visitors to your home, be careful whenever you open the door. You can keep your dog on a leash and always leave him with an identification collar. Preferably, put a microchip in your pup because in a second of distraction he could run away. If you deem it necessary, install a playpen at the door to prevent him from running away.
Electricity & Wires
Be very careful with the Christmas tree lighting, as the wires are usually thin and easy to break. If your pup is curious and likes to chew on things, this could be a danger.
Whenever possible, don’t put lights on the lower branches of the tree. And if you see him chewing on wires, unplug them immediately and put them out of reach.
Read More: Help Your Dog Deal With Visitors During the Holidays
Christmas Tree
If you like tall trees, try tying them with cables to the ceiling and make sure they are securely attached, as some dogs may be curious and try to climb the tree. If tying the tree with a cable isn’t an option, you can protect the tree with a playpen.
Also avoid allowing your pup to ingest pine needles. And don’t let him drink water from the tree.
Toxic Foods
Holiday foods have lots of nuts, chocolate, grapes, and raisins, and in many cases, sweeteners like xylitol. Keep your pup far away from these dangerous foods, as they can cause many problems, from diarrhea to death from poisoning.
Also avoid leaving gifts such as chocolates, sweets, and others mentioned above under the tree, as he may try to eat it.
Read More: What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
Sidewalk Salt
Sidewalk salt can be toxic for your pup and cause dehydration, increased blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmia.
Many times salt gets stuck in dogs’ paws and they try to clean it by licking it. So, if possible, replace regular salt with cat litter or pet-safe products. If not, wash your pup’s paws every time you enter the house.
Antifreeze Products
Ethylene glycol antifreeze is toxic to dogs and cat. And to make matters worse, it has a sweet taste that can be attractive.
Its consumption can lead to irreversible kidney failure. For this reason, keep antifreeze bottles dry and well out of reach of any pets. If spilled, clean up immediately and make sure there is no residue.
If there’s any suspicion of antifreeze consumption, take your pup to the vet immediately.
Candles
Watch out for candles in places your dog can reach. If he’s curious, he could easily knock over candles, risking injury or even causing a house fire.
Read More: How to Prepare Your Dog for the Holiday Season
Holiday Safety Tips For Dogs – Conclusion
Did you already know these holiday safety tips for dogs?
The holiday season requires some special care for your dog, as many objects and foods that are safe for humans can pose a risk to your pup.
So pay attention to the tips above so that everything goes smoothly and safely for the whole family.
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