It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but if your pet is not happy – you probably won’t be either. The holidays can bring added stress and possible dangers for your pets. Here are some guidelines to help keep them safe and content this holiday season.

• Holiday plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous. If you decide to purchase them, be sure to place them out of reach of your pet.
• Keep ornaments off the lower branches of the tree and do not use edible ornaments. Your pet may knock the tree over in an attempt to get at them.
• Keep packages out of reach – especially those that contain foods as some foods can be harmful if ingested.
• Check pet gifts for safety. Small plastic toys or toys with small parts and bones may pose choking hazards.
• Never allow your pet access to alcohol. Clear unused beverage glasses.
• If you host a party or have visitors, you may want to consider confining your pet to their crate or a room. Remember, not everyone is comfortable around animals. By limiting your pet’s exposure, you will help them and your guests feel more relaxed to enjoy the festivities.

The holidays are both a merry and a hectic time. Visitors, parties and traveling can be taxing on both you and your pet. Try to stick to a normal schedule and make sure to spend some time with your pet every day. This will help to ease stress and allow you to observe your pet for any unusual symptoms during the holiday season.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

With holidays in the air, we tend to go on overdrive. After all, there is so much to do and only so much time to finish the preparations for the holiday festivities!

As you’re in the flurry of the preparations, remember dogs experience holidays differently than we do. What we see as Aunt Tilly’s family heirloom decoration, our dogs may see as the latest and greatest fashion in chewing toys.

To make sure holidays are safe and fun, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep decorations, ornaments, tinsel, and gift wrapping supplies away from Fido. Not only will this keep your holiday décor safe, it will keep Fido from chewing, causing a possible obstruction in the intestines and a costly trip to the veterinarian.

• Candles and dogs are not a good combination…..a good wag of the tail from your dog can cause the candle to tip.

• Some of our traditional holiday food fares are toxic to our canine companions. Chocolate, alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions and walnuts, to name a few. Also keep your dog away from dishes that contain these ingredients, such as dressing. For a more complete listing of foods toxic to dogs, click here.

• Don’t give your dog bones from your turkey dinner, as the bones can splinter and cause choking or get lodged in the intestinal tract. Immediately throw the carcass away in your outdoor refuse bin. Fido has a good nose and can be quite persistent in getting into the garbage if the carcass is indoors.

• Common holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, lilies and garlands are toxic to dogs. Should your dog ingest one of these plants, call your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian immediately.

Keep this a safe holiday for everyone – including your dogs!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!