Keep Your Pet Safe This Christmas

It's hard to believe it is almost Christmastime again!

Now is a great time to book your Christmas reservation too!  Our office is open on Christmas Eve from 8 am until 2 pm.  Our vans are already booked for Christmas Eve.  Our office is closed on Christmas.  

The holidays are a special time for family and friends, but don't forget about your pets.  If you are going to include them in the festivities, be sure to keep them safe. 

Kitchen Safety

• Tin foil, meat strings, and toothpicks, can cause serious digestive problems if swallowed.
• Dough can expand in the stomach and cause severe problems if swallowed.
• Chocolate, coffee, and tea are very toxic for dogs. Even small amounts can cause diarrhea, seizures or death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are most dangerous.
• Bones, cooked or uncooked, can tear or obstruct the digestive system.
• Sweets, greasy, or spicy foods can cause pancreatitis which is a serious inflammation of the pancreas and can be fatal.
• Alcoholic beverages are attractive to some dogs, especially sweet alcoholic beverages such as eggnog. Remind guests to keep glasses out of reach of the dog and put away glasses after parties. A small amount of alcohol can be fatal.
• Keep garbage covered and out of reach.

Christmas Tree and Decoration Safety

• Christmas trees should be secured to prevent toppling. Do not allow your dog to eat fallen pine needles or even artificial tree needles as they can be toxic or cause stomach irritation.
• Christmas tree water can contain poisonous pine tar or tree preservatives.
•  Many dogs think ornaments are toys and want to play with them. These can cause digestive problems/obstructions. 
• Christmas lights can cause digestive upsets or electrocution if chewed.
• Electrical cords can cause electrocution or a fire hazard if chewed.
• Costumes and Christmas outfits are adorable on Scruffy but they should not bind or constrict, block the dog’s vision, or have pieces that can cause choking if swallowed.
• Almost all Christmas plants, including holly leaves and berries, poinsettias, and mistletoe are poisonous or irritating to dogs if swallowed.

Outdoor Safety

• Antifreeze tastes sweet and many dogs are attracted to it. Just a few drops can be fatal.
• Hypothermia can pose a danger during severe cold. Puppies, old dogs, and sick dogs are most vulnerable. Dress your dog in winter clothing or restrict outdoor time. Provide snug shelter. Warm your dog quickly if he starts to shiver.
• Ice-melting chemicals and salt can irritate paws or cause digestive upsets if swallowed.

Tips for Avoiding Trouble

Provide your dog with a safe and comfortable place, such as a crate or a baby gated room, away from holiday dangers and the stress of unfamiliar guests and disrupted schedules.