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Holiday Hazards For Dogs

The holidays are ramping up into full swing! This is a dangerous time of year for our canine patients. Fido is playful and curious, but doesn’t really know what is and isn’t safe for him. You’ll want to take a few precautions to keep your pup happy, healthy, and safe. Here, an Aurora, CO vet lists some common hazards for pet owners to be aware of.

Plants

Many holiday plants are toxic to dogs. Poinsettias, mistletoe, yew, holly, and ivy are all poisonous to Fido. Keep these plants in a spot your canine companion can’t reach.

Food

Fido will put on his cutest begging expression at those delicious holiday feasts. It’s fine to give your furry buddy a special treat, but stick to healthy foods and don’t overindulge him. Never give your dog anything that contains garlic, onions,  scallions, or  chives; meat on the bone; fruits with seeds, pits, or pips; avocados; chocolate; alcohol; nuts; grapes, currants, or raisins; or anything high in fat, salt, or sugar.

Decorations

Keep Fido’s safety in mind when you decorate. The tree is one concern. Ornaments, ornament hooks, tinsel, ribbons, garlands, and lights can all choke or entangle dogs, and can cause major internal injuries if swallowed. The tree water is another issue, as it could contain toxic chemical residue from things like pesticides. You may want to consider putting a doggy gate around the tree.

Flames/Heaters

Scented candles make your home look and smell cozy, but keep them in spots Fido can’t reach. If you use a fireplace or space heater, make sure he can’t get too close or knock it over.

Weather

Winter can be hard on Man’s Best Friend! Unless Fido is a snow dog, like a husky, his coat won’t really protect him from the cold. Keep your pet safe and sound indoors as much as possible when it’s really cold out. Also, use paw balm on those furry feet to protect them from snow, salt, sand, ice, and de-icing agents.

Stress

New Year’s Eve in particular can be hard on dogs, because of the noise. You may want to put your canine pal in his crate or a quiet back room with bedding, toys, and treats on New Year’s Eve. Turn a radio on for background noise.

Happy Holidays! Please call us, your local Aurora, CO vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.

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