fp Turks and Caicos

With all the craziness of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget just how dangerous it can be for our pets.

With the average dog having the mentality of a two- or three-year-old child, it’s vital that we keep them protected from holiday hazards. Below are some suggestions for keeping our four-legged family members safe and happy.

Wiring inside and out can be tempting for dogs to play in and chew. Taking the time to install cord anchors can help prevent chewing hazards. The anchors are inexpensive and can be found in most hardware stores.

If your family puts gifts under the tree before Christmas day, try putting a baby gate around the tree to prevent Fido from thinking the presents are his. Some dogs may want to “mark” the tree. It is a tree after all, and a baby gate can help prevent a soggy situation.

Christmas tree flocking is toxic while wet, but otherwise safe unless ingested in large quantities. If you’re planning on spraying your tree, make sure it dries completely before bringing it inside.

Another safety hazard is the batting used for miniature towns and train sets. Dogs can jump up and pull them down.

Another “snow” hazard is the window spray. Make sure it too is completely dry before allowing Daisy back in the room. Be sure to check the labels for toxicity.

Pine needles and ornaments can be especially dangerous for dogs. They may see bulbs as toys, or ingest tinsel or other trimmings. If you decorate with popcorn, candies or other real food items, this can be just too tempting for a dog to resist. Another reason to invest in a baby gate around the tree.

Giving gifts is exciting to say the least but can also be hazardous to dogs. Small packaging wire ties and bits of tape or trimmings can be choking dangers. Promptly pick up anything not edible that happens to fall onto the floor.

While the fireplace is burning, it’s always a good idea to be extra cautious when dogs are around. When using a wood stove, this can be especially dangerous since dogs may not know that the surfaces are very hot.

While holiday dinners are sure treats for us, they are not recommended for our canine friends. Bones can cause choking hazards, and human food can give dogs digestive issues which can be messy to clean up. It’s a good idea to inform guests of this too. Their good intentions can make your doggy ill. Not a good ending to a beautiful holiday.

Certain holiday foliage that are toxic to dogs include holly and mistletoe. Use caution when decorating with these types of plants. Display on tables or above the dog’s line of sight to dissuade her from eating or chewing. Be aware of the decorative foliage outside too, such as the ones by doorways or steps.

With the holidays come increased traffic throughout the house. While your puppy may be curious to see who is visiting, your guests may not be used to having dogs in close proximity. Stepping on tails or tripping can be dangerous both to your guests as well as your dog.

Outside hazards are often overlooked when it comes to our four-legged buddies. Decorations, lighting and plants are all new to dogs, and they may not understand what is happening. They may see the bright colors as toys. Use caution and patience if your dog shows curiosity towards these new items.

The holidays can be a wonderful time for everyone, even dogs if the proper precautions are taken. Keeping our canines safe this season is not difficult. It’s just a matter of being aware.

Happy Holidays!