Protect Your Pooch From Potentially Hazardous Holiday Decorations

Don’t Let Your Pup Be the Dog That Ate Christmas. Protect Your Pooch from Certain Decorations and Plants.

It is the most wonderful time of the year, and so many of us spend an inordinate amount of time and money dressing up our homes for the holidays. All sparkly decorations, holiday plants, delicious-tasting foods, and colorful lights add to the season’s ambiance and cheer. Humans aren’t the only ones attracted to the season’s sensory pleasures; Our canine friends are just as intrigued by all the new sights, smells, and objects that have taken over their homes. This fascination is precisely why we must be on high alert for things that could be unsafe for our pets, including

• Poisonous Plants: Holly, mistletoe, amaryllis, poinsettias, and lilies are toxins to pets. Even the stagnant water your live tree sits in can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s a helpful blog if you’re questioning whether a holiday plant is poisonous or safe.

Although not quite as life-like, opt for artificial plants and trees. Today’s alternatives are just as attractive, and think of the money you’ll save annually with reuse.

• Tinsel Trauma:  Dress up your tree with something other than tinsel. To your dog, it’s more than eye-candy…it’s mouth candy. Although most of today’s tinsel is  safer than tinsel of years past that was made with lead and other metals, it still can be dangerous. If eaten, stringy, plastic tinsel can obstruct the digestive tract, causing vomiting and heightening the risk of surgery.

Replace standard tinsel with eco-friendly (and safer) paper tinsel and paper chains. Here’s a twofer: These replacements make for the perfect family arts and crafts session.  

• Go High Over Low: Glass and small plastic ornaments, exposed wires, batteries, and candles should be kept high enough that your pup can’t ingest them. 

Instead of making your décor picture-perfect, consider your dog’s safety first. Remember: If it’s out of reach, it’s not in their mouth.

• People Only Treats:  Cocktails, unattended food, and chocolate are just a few foods/beverages you need to keep away from your pup. (For a more comprehensive list, check out this article from ASPCA.)

Be sure to be constantly on the lookout for potential risks. What’s OK for human consumption is not always OK for animals. If you’re having guests over and it’s too difficult to monitor where food and glasses are placed, provide a separate room for your dog. Better yet, book an overnight boarding appointment where you know you’re dog will be safe and content. The Dog Stop has state-of-the-art boarding facilities, with locations nationwide. Check us out and if you like what you see, find your ‘stop’, and secure Fido’s accommodations