The Holidays Are All About The Four F’s

Family, Friends, Fun and of course Food !

And naturally we all want our dogs to be part of this special time. But there are some important guidelines to keep in mind so our pooch is safe during this festivities – no one wants to end up at the veterinary emergency clinic!

Just because we humans like to indulge in the feast does not mean it is good for our dogs. Please… No table scraps! Rich, fatty foods can seriously upset your dog’s stomach and even be toxic.

Be aware that Grapes and Raisins can cause irreversible damage to your dog’s kidneys and can even be fatal. As few as 4-5 grapes or raisins can be poisonous to a 20 pound dog. So why take a chance?

Signs of toxicity are similar to what we as humans would experience. This includes vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain and a decreased urine production. Onset of any signs typically occurs within 24 hours though they can start just a few hours after consumption.

The kitchen can be a virtual playground for your dog’s nose and taste buds. Most dogs love food and especially yearn for “people food”.  Many dog experts discourage the feeding of table scraps to dogs because of the potentials for toxicity, obesity and general poor health. While a healthy, well-balanced diet can be prepared for dogs using human food, it is important to seek out the right foods. If you suspect your dog has got into “the wrong food”, seek veterinary attention immediately.

There are some human foods that are okay for dogs. So if you want to give your pooch a special treat this holidays try a small piece of cooked turkey or chicken without skin or bones (and hold the gravy). Raw carrots and apples in moderate amount are actually quite healthy for your dog.

Most dogs are curious by nature, so they will check out all the festive decorations. Sniffing can lead to chewing, or even ingestion of foreign objects. Watch the holiday decorations! Needless to say, electrical cords should be tucked away and decorations or holiday plants should be put out of reach. Also, if you have a Christmas tree, don’t let your dog drink the tree water.

Holiday parties and gatherings can mean lots of commotion. This might be fun for you, but not for your dog. A Lot of people in your home can be very stressful him. A large party crowd is not the place for most dogs, so consider keeping him in a crate or a quiet room – especially if he is easily stressed. Don’t let your dog get lost in the shuffle.

If he is comfortable around a smaller group, just make sure you set down the ground rules with your company: Please… don’t feed the dog and keep the doors closed!
Many pets get loose and run off during the holiday season. Though your dog should always wear a collar with current identification, this is especially important during the holiday season.

Sadly, many dogs run off scared during the holiday season and end up at the pound.
Don’t let yours be one of them as this could be a very costly experience.

Stay safe and have fun together.

Tags: dogs and Christmas