Christmas is a joyous time of year filled with wonderful scents, decorations, food and gifts. It is also a potentially hazardous time with accidents being common. During this joyous season, there are a few precautions you will want to take to protect your dog. Here are a few common issues you may encounter this year.

Live Tree

Live Christmas trees look and smell wonderful; however, these trees must be kept alive throughout the season. Most people water their tree in order to keep it green and healthy for several weeks. Pets, dogs especially, tend to help themselves to this ready source of hydration. In most cases, this is less harmful to your dog than the tree, but if you added fertilizer, your dog could become ill. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur if your dog drinks the fertilized water. If you have an indoor pet, it is better to forego the fertilization.

Festive Plants

There are certain plants that can prove to be poisonous to your dog including the poinsettia, holly and mistletoe. These are beautiful and make for great holiday decorations, but they should be kept up away from pet access. Reactions to ingesting these types of plants range from mild nausea and diarrhea to vomiting, listlessness and slowed heart rate. When it comes to mistletoe death can occur if a significant amount is ingested.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a favorite candy any time of the year but it is most prevalent around Halloween and Christmas. Chocolate pretzels, peanuts and cherries are a delicious treat, but can be fatal to your pet. Generally, a small amount of milk chocolate will not be fatal; it is the bakers chocolate that is dangerous. During the holidays, people use a lot of baker\’s chocolate in different recipes. Keep these treats out of reach of your dog.

Stress

If you find yourself stressed out from the rounds of family and friends visiting for the holidays, your pet is probably feeling the pinch as well. During this busy time of year, it is a good idea to provide your dog a place of escape. A separate room or crate in a quiet area of the home is ideal. They need a place of retreat and rest as much as you do.

Outdoors

Dogs outdoors can be very vulnerable to the cold and the heat. Pet owners need to be extra vigilant to keep their dogs from freezing from the cold or dehydrating from the hot weather. Shivering is one of the most visible signs of hypothermia – a common condition found in dogs during cold conditions. So if the weather is too cold, it\’s best that you limit time for walking or find an indoor park that you can go to. For hotter climate, make sure to keep your pets hydrated at all times and much better, to walk under a shade if possible.

Conclusion

Christmas is a fun time of year for everyone but you need to take a few precautions to protect your dog. Wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, lights and drop cords are also common hazards that you will need to keep an eye on. Make it a joyous occasion for all involved by keeping your dog away from the dangers.

Author Bio: Kelly Marshall is a well-known author for the OMD Supplies Store – the online shop for expandable dog gates, dog leashes, and other leading dog gear you won’t find at your local pet store.

Category: Pets
Keywords: dogs,pets,canines,keeping your dog safe,dog safety during holidays,dog health