Happy Holidays! It’s always nice to take a break from the everyday grind and get together with our loved ones for seasonal traditions and festivities. This can be a super cute time of year for our canine companions. Of course, you will need to take a few precautions to keep Fido out of trouble. A Lake Murray, OK vet offers some seasonal dog care tips in this article.
Decorate Safely
We all know that dogs love to chew things. This can be especially dangerous at this time of year! Anything small or sharp is a choking hazard. When decorating, keep things like small figurines, ornaments, and ornament hooks out of paws’ reach. Many plants are also unsafe. Poinsettias, holly, ivy, and mistletoe are all toxic to dogs. You’ll also want to be careful with stringy items, such as tinsel, ribbon, and light strands. Keep candles in high spots, and use grates before fireplaces. If you get a real tree, we’d also recommend covering the water bowl.
Choose Customized Gifts
Don’t forget to put something under the tree for your four-legged buddy! Consider Fido’s age, size, health, and personality. Puppies will need lots of playthings and chew toys. Adult dogs still love and benefit from toys, but also enjoy treats and things like paw wax, grooming supplies, dental products, and other gear. Senior dogs are all about comfort, and will appreciate cozy beds, pet ramps, and other little luxuries. (Tip: subscription boxes are a good bet for any pooch.)
Provide Safe Snacks
Food plays a huge role in those festive holiday gatherings. Your canine pal will definitely notice those mouth-watering aromas, and will put on his most adorable—and most effective—begging tactics. Offer your furry pal something special. Plain, boneless meat, fish, or poultry are all fine. Just don’t offer anything unsafe. That list includes garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, chocolate, alcohol, meat on the bone, caffeine, nuts, mushrooms, and avocado. Ask your vet for more information.
Keep That Tail Going
Our canine buddies can get pretty distressed by major changes. Travel, schedule disruptions, visitors, and even decorations can all make dogs feel uneasy. Pay some extra attention to Fido, especially if he seems unsettled. You may find that taking some quiet down time to relax with your furry best friend is good for both you and your pooch.
All of us here at Westwood Veterinary, your Lake Murray, OK, animal hospital, want to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. Please contact us anytime!
