Tips For Keeping Your Dog Safe From Holiday Temptations

The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, and delicious treats. However, it’s important to remember that not everything that’s festive for us is safe for our furry friends. To ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your dog, Cedar Lane Kennels offers these tips:

1. Skip the sweets

You likely already know that eating chocolate can be dangerous for furry friends. It could cause health complications that can range from mild to severe, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and a racing heart rate.

Another major concern is xylitol, a commonly used sugar substitute, which can be found in candy, gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse, and seizures.

2. Deck the halls safely

Many festive plants, such as ivy, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias can be toxic to pets. Keep holiday plants out of your pet’s reach or choose artificial alternatives. Additionally, pine needles from real trees can be dangerous for pets if ingested, as they can cause intestinal obstructions or punctures.

The tree itself should be anchored firmly to prevent it from toppling over, especially if you have a curious dog. And when it comes to trimming the tree, opt for shatterproof ornaments to avoid injuries and potential ingestion hazards — and keep electric cords hidden or protected to prevent chewing accidents.

3. Keep presents away

Wrapped packages under the tree can be tempting to curious dogs, especially if they contain food. Instead, store gifts in a safe, out-of-reach location until you’re ready to open them. You can also consider using a barrier or gate to create a pet-free zone around the tree and gifts.

For more information, please contact:

Cedar Lane Kennels: 6901 Dunham Road : Downers Grove, IL 60516 : 630.969.1198 : https://www.cedarlanekennelsinc.com/