Tips for a Safe Holiday for Your Puppy & Dog

Health and Safety of Your Four-Legged Friends

AKC Offers Tips For Safe Holiday Season With Your Dog

Don't Put A Puppy Under Your Tree!

With the holiday season now in full-force, it's important to remember the health and safety of the four-legged creatures sitting underneath the dinner table.

Nothing tops a holiday wish list more than an adorable puppy, but with the hustle and bustle of the season, the family pet can get lost in the shuffle. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reminds those considering adding a dog to their home this holiday season that puppies are not stocking stuffers and also offers safety tips for current dog owners.

- Holiday Dangers Facing Dogs & Puppies -

• Traditional holiday gift shouldn't include a family pet unless potential owners are ready for a lifetime commitment. So many people want a cute, cuddly puppy for the holidays, but there are many hazards associated with this season for dogs.

• With all of the time and attention he needs, on top of holiday safety risks in the home, it's much safer and wiser to bring a puppy into your life after the holidays have ended.

• During their critical first weeks at home, puppies require a great deal of time, love, and attention. The disrupted schedules and stress that the holidays can bring, along with the many holiday hazards that can harm even adult dogs, are even more dangerous for a new puppy in an unfamiliar setting.

• A dog is a commitment, and you should never surprise a loved-one with a puppy they aren't ready to keep for a lifetime. New dog owners need to consider what breed is right for their lifestyle before getting a dog because each one has a unique energy, size, coat type, and temperament.

• As a gift idea, consider wrapping dog supplies such as a leash or bowl to symbolize the gift of a puppy to come once you've done your research and think things through.

• When decorating for the holidays, avoid using food such as popcorn or cranberry strands. If eaten, they can cause blockages, which can require surgery to remove. Puppies are notorious chewers when young and will look to get anything they can.

• Place ornaments, tinsel, glass bulbs, and things that sparkle and catch your dog's eye higher up on your tree where he can't reach them. Ingesting ornaments can cause major problems for your dog or puppy.

• Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe should be kept out of your dog's reach, as they can be poisonous to pets.

• Consider having an artificial Christmas tree, but if you do have a natural one, make sure your dog doesn't swallow the pine needles or drink the tree water which can cause stomach irritation, or contain poisonous plant food. Try putting a gate around the tree to keep the puppy away.

• Puppies like to chew and explore, and exposed wires from holiday lights pose a threat to your inquisitive little friend; if he chews on them, he could be electrocuted. Tape indoor wires to the wall and outdoor wires to the side of the house where your dog can't reach them.

• Be wary of lit candles, as energetic puppies can knock them over causing them to receive serious burns or even start a house fire. They may also be inclined to investigate a fireplace too closely.

• Common holiday foods such as chocolate, butter, turkey skin, fat, and candy can make your dog very ill. Don't let your puppy's cute face convince you that he should be given table food. Take care to keep these foods out of reach.

 

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