The holiday season has finally arrived. Santa Claus will soon be on his way, delivering toys in his reindeer-powered sleigh. But, before you deck the halls with boughs of holly and hang your stockings by the chimney with care, slow-ho-ho down and take a moment to ensure that your decorations aren’t posing a threat to your furry friends.
Here’s our Christmas list of holiday hazards to avoid to help keep your dog safe this season.
Holiday Pet Safety Tips from Dog Gone Amazing
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree …
You can’t have Christmas without a Christmas tree, the signature staple of the holiday season. Beware, however, that a Christmas tree can be a potential hub of danger for your dog. We recommend the following criteria for a safe Christmas tree:
- Your tree is secured and balanced in a sturdy base to avoid falling over.
- Hazardous ornaments (glass, ceramic, etc.) are hung out of you dog’s reach.
- Lighting and extension cords are kept tucked away and out of reach from your dog.
- Cover the base of your tree so that your dog isn’t tempted to drink tree water. Standing water can cause bacteria to grow, which is harmful to your dog.
- Avoid using tinsel, as it can be harmful to your dog if ingested.
Christmas Lights Shining So Bright
Lights are another staple of the season. Keep in mind that while you may just like to look at them, your dog might find them as a tantalizing chew toy. Chewing on holiday lights can lead to broken glass and harmful material ingestion, as well as electrocution. So, make sure your dog is trained to behave properly around holiday lights or that they’re out of your dog’s reach.
Turkey, Potatoes, Stuffing and More!
While nothing would make your dog happier than joining you at the dinner table for all the delicious holiday food they could imagine, many holiday dishes contain ingredients that are harmful to your dog. Raisins, grapes, chocolate, nuts and bones from turkey and chicken are toxic to dogs, and cause serious illness.
While these are some of the most common areas that can cause danger to your dog during the holidays, always beware of other areas that can cause harm to your dog. Always keep your pet’s safety in mind when decorating for the holidays.
We wish you a very happy holiday with your friends and loved ones (dogs included) this season. From the folks at Dog Gone Amazing, Happy Holidays.