Don't Deck The
Dog
©
Colleen Paige
Tis the season to be small and furry. Tis also the season for spry little
toes! The holidays are wonderful, but the risks inherent in being a dog
are all too real. With family get-togethers and cocktail parties, the
hazards, especially for new puppy pawrents, can be left unprepared for. If
you want to include your dog into the festivities, be careful not to let
your guests offer human treats. All too often, you're busy having fun
entertaining or as is the usual at some point during a party—you're trying
to look interested in a really boring story, holding back your yawn and
longing to pull a hair out of your head and floss with it. But when you're
not looking, the risk of crushed toes from the yuletide conga line and
poisoning from the chocolate covered cherry that your guest just dropped
and rudely left there, can create an abrupt end to the holiday cheer and
an emergency trip to the vet.
Follow these tips for your dog's safety when planning any party:
- Use Carob only in place of
chocolate, when it comes to making holiday sweets. Chocolate is toxic
and can kill a small dog quickly….so can even a small amount of alcohol.
- Go online to the ASPCA and
study the list of foods that can be toxic to your pooch, eliminating
them from the hors d'oeuvres, buffet and dinner menu all together. This
way, if food is accidentally dropped or if some sneaky Santa decides to
slip your dog a nibble—she'll be safe!
- If your tree is on the floor,
string lights and garland high enough so that your dog, when wandering
under and around the tree, won't get inadvertently tangled—which could
mean strangulation, electrocution or the tree toppling over on your dog!
- Refrain from using tinsel,
string or ribbon on your tree. If ingested it can cause an intestinal
blockage and even internal bleeding.
Shiny glass ornaments on Christmas trees are traditional and beautiful
but can be irresistible toys for many dogs. If you must have them on
your tree, set them high up away from the dog and make sure they are
very secure, as they can also fall, shattering and cutting your precious
pooch's piggies!
- Tree flocking and artificial
snow, although most are not toxic when dry, can get in your dogs eyes
and cause irritation, as well as being inhaled, can cause irritation and
inflammation to the lungs. I say "strike the flocking!" There is nothing
more beautiful than a natural tree.
- Poinsettia, holly, and
mistletoe, are poisonous and the product that you add to your Christmas
tree water can cause serious diarrhea if ingested. Keep toxic plants up
high and if you can't prevent your dog from drinking the tree's
water—throw a little sugar in your tree water instead of store bought
preservative. ¼ cup of sugar to a half gallon of water in the beginning
and a nice slice off the bottom of the trunk just before you put it in
the stand, should do the trick in keeping your tree and your dog,
healthy and happy this holiday season!
- Last but not least is to post a
note at your door asking people to remove their shoes and choose a pair
of fun, new holiday socks you have provided in a basket by the door.
This way, people won't have to go barefoot while you protect your little
one's tootsies from getting crunched by careless party-goers. You could
also add "Do Not Feed the Animals!" However, it could mean that many of
your guests will starve! Happy Pawlidays!
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