The holiday season has arrived and many of us will participate in the Christmas spirit by decorating our homes.  The central holiday decoration that dominates most of our homes is the Christmas tree.

A puppy or a young dog does not understand the symbolism of the Christmas tree once a year.  They view the Christmas tree as a huge giant stick in the house and it even has shiny balls hanging on it!  The cool factor of their humans has just shot through the roof in their eyes.

The most obvious thing about Christmas tree safety is that you do not want your dog or puppy to knock it over, chew it, pee on it or destroy the ornaments that were hung with care.  There is also the concern of ingesting things such as the tree itself, metal ornament hooks, broken glass, or electrocution from chewing the wires from the lights.

It’s your pup’s first Christmas and it’s up to you to monitor and direct to your dog’s natural curiosity about the holiday decorations and festivities into a positive holiday month verses one filled with destruction, chaos and health issues.

The best all around solution is to train your puppy.  This is the most important thing you can do for your dog’s safety and confidence.  If you establish some holiday boundaries this season, they will carry over into the seasons to come.

Put your dog’s leash on and practice some basic obedience commands near the tree. Allow him to get close enough to sniff it, but if he tries to chew it or jump on it, give a quick correction with a firm “no” command.   If your youngster can do a “down/stay” utilize this command in short intervals next to the tree and do not forget to praise for a job well done.  Your goal is to teach your young canine friend that their interest in the tree brings negative associations with it and ignoring the tree provides positive attention, praise and rewards.  Your dog wants to please you and will quickly learn to seek out the positive verses the negative.

Below are a few holiday proofing suggestion to protect your tree, your home and your pet:

• Use clear fishing line to attach the tree to the ceiling and prevent it from being knocked over.
• Use plastic hooks or ties instead of wire ones to attach ornaments.
• Place breakable or sentimental ornaments towards the top of the tree.
• Supervise your dog around the tree at all times. If Fido is tempted by the tree you will be nearby to correct him.
• Confine your dog from the tree if you are not home are able to supervise him.  If your dog cannot access the tree, he cannot make bad decisions.
• Place candles high and out of the way of inquiring noses and wagging tails.
• Plant Dangers:  Most Christmas plants are poisonous to dogs and cats.  Keep poinsettia’s, Christmas cactus and mistletoe out of your dog’s reach.  Better yet, keep them entirely out of your home.
• Food Dangers:  Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and poultry bones can splinter causing major intestinal problems.  Keep candy and snacks out of your dogs reach and keep an eye on food left out on the table or kitchen counter.
• Treats:  Just because it is the time of year to “give” do not go overboard and let your dog have a whole package of treats.
• People food:  Foods that your dog is not used to can upset their stomach and disrupt your festivities.  The last thing you want on Christmas is a family member with diarrhea or is throwing up.

Plan ahead, be proactive and use common sense when it comes to the holidays and your puppy.  To all my fellow pet owners around the world; have a safe, abundant and blessed holiday!

The holidays are upon us.  If there is a new puppy in your life you may be tempted or encouraged to take your newest family addition along for holiday festivities and fun.  Your host may utter the phrase “bring the puppy with you” with good intentions but be totally oblivious to the chaos, danger and stress four furry feet can bring into a house.

Follow the suggestions below to avoid situations that could be considered “challenging” in the moment or “embarrassing” for years to come.

Puppy Energy

Puppies come prepackaged with a lot of puppy energy.  Not everyone will appreciate the friendly puppy’s enthusiasm.  Exercise your puppy before arriving at your guest’s house.  Do not “plan on” the other guests tiring out your puppy.

House Training Accidents

Your puppy’s house training may or may not transfer to a guest’s house.  Prevent potty accidents by taking your puppy outside regularly and often.  If your puppy is unconfined in the house, keep the pup in sight at all times.  Do not forget the old adage “what goes in, must come out”.  Monitor your puppy’s food and water intake and then plan accordingly.

Safety Concerns

Be ready for people to inadvertently but consistently open up doors long enough for your puppy to run outside into a potentially unsafe, unfenced area.  Be sure your pup is wearing their collar and tags just in case.

Ribbons, tinsel, lights, lights, chocolate, nuts, poultry bones and other potential blockage-causing or toxic items could be within your tempted puppy’s reach.  Locate these hazards and remove or relocate if possible, otherwise supervise your pup around these items.

If kids are around this is a great opportunity to socialize your pup with miniature human like creatures.  Children and puppies need to be taught how to behave with one another.  Be sure to monitor these interactions so no one involved becomes overly rough, aggressive, tired or cranky.

Final Tip

I will always sing the praises of crate training any dog and especially a puppy.  Here is why:

When you travel this holiday season with your puppy bring along their crate.  This will allow you to confine your puppy safely and “worry free” when you are unable to supervise them or ready to gather around the table for the holiday feast.  Your puppy’s crate will also provide your pup a familiar place to nap, to be out of the way when needed, and make a more welcome guest who gets invited back year after year!

Mmmm….the aroma of a mouthwatering roasting turkey in the oven, stuffing cooling on the counter, freshly baked desserts testing your willpower.   A feast that will stretch the limits of your pants and maybe even lull you into an early evening snooze.

The holidays are upon us.  The weather has turned brisk, the trees are changing colors, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.   For many of us, Thanksgiving is an annual gathering of friends and family.  A day to remind us to be thankful for all we have in our lives, for those near and dear that we love including our canine companions.

It is fun to keep our dogs with us we enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and if your dog is a beloved member of the family, it is a given they will be smack dab in the middle of the holiday gathering.  It is also a given they will be on the prowl to gobble up any food left out and unsupervised, sample some tasty turkey tidbits handed to them on the sly and vacuum up any dropped food particles.  It can be difficult to resist the temptation to share Thanksgiving dinner with them as  their soft brown eyes and fury feet follow your every move.  Here are a few tips to help keep the four legged family members safe, healthy and included in the festivities as everyone gathers around the table for Thanksgiving.

If you want to share some of your Thanksgiving feast with your dog, use some basic common sense.

YES

• Cooked boneless, skinless turkey meat – white meat is the best
• Plain veggies – NO sauce or butter
• Plain potatoes – NO butter or gravy
• Plain rice
• Turkey broth in moderation

NO

• NO turkey bones – All poultry bones splinter easily and are dangerous.  Whether splintered or whole they can lodge inside or perforate a dog’s intestines.
• NO turkey skin – The skin is high in fat and hard to digest.  It also holds  marinade, butter, oils, and spices used in baking.  “Treating” your dog to fatty food like poultry skin can lead to gastric distress and Pancreatitis, a serious inflammatory condition of the pancreas that causes vomiting and dehydration.
• NO to all of the fancy trimmings – Foods smothered in rich gravies, sugars, salt, etc.
• NO to sweets or desserts – If these are bad for us, they are definitely BAD for our dogs.
• NO to chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which can be deadly to dogs.  Hyperactivity and rapid breathing are signs to a bad reeaction to chocolate.

Plan ahead.  As you are preparing side dishes, set aside some plain mashed sweet potatoes, a cup of cooked carrots, broccoli or green beans before adding all of the cream, salt, butter, wine, etc.  These items will be treasured (and devoured) by your dog, as well as being nutritious and healthy for them.

Gage your dog’s current diet.  If your dog normally eats “dog food” (i.e. kibble), do not offer up a big bowl full of turkey, veggies and potatoes all at once. A sudden change in diet can stress their system and cause an upset stomach and diarrhea.  Instead, try adding a slice of turkey, some broth and a few veggies to their kibble. Veggies can also be used for “treats” throughout the afternoon.  If your dog is used to a homemade diet, you can be a bit more generous and creative as you indulge them in their Thanksgiving feast.

If your dog is not allowed to “beg” or eat from the table, Thanksgiving is no exception.  Before dinner begins be sure to let your well-meaning guest know that sharing with Fido is not allowed.  Keep a watchful eye on children who might try to feed the furry creature anyway and keep a watchful eye on the furry creature who will take the opportunity to take food from little hands.

If you do want to treat your dog from the table or are so worried that your guests will not be able to resist that cute irresistible face, strategically place small “doggy plates” on the table.  Only items from these plates may be fed to Fido and when these plates are empty, that’s it!

On a final note, do not overlook the importance of cleaning up after the festivities have concluded.    Even the best behaved, well trained pets can be tempted and drawn to dangerous items discarded in the trash.  Items used to cook the turkey such as skewers, string, pop up timers, and roasting bags can cause intestinal blockage or perforation if swallowed.  Turkey bones and all other discarded meal items should be disposed of in a safe place.  Garbage cans with tight fitting lids or better yet, in a closed secure area that is dog-proof is recommended.

Keep your cherished, loyal furry companion(s) safe, healthy, and happy this holiday season.  Remember to be thankful for the unconditional love and joy they bring to your life on a daily basis.

Halloween is a fun time of year and a holiday that many of us look forward to.  However, for the family dog Halloween can be a dangerous and stressful holiday.  Plan ahead and be prepared by implementing some common sense and making the holiday safe and sane for everyone involved. 

1.  Prepare a Secure Place for Your Dog to Hang Out On Halloween 

 Have a place where your dog will be safe, secure and comfortable on Halloween.  If your dog is crate trained then this is the best option hands down.  If your dog is not crate trained, keep him confined in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat hours.  Either option will help reduce your dogs stress caused by the ringing doorbell and exuberant squealing of costumed children.  Keeping your dog confined will also reduce your stress by eliminating the worry of your dog darting out the door every time you open it.

 2.  Best Dog Halloween Costume Ever – A Tag and a Microchip

If you do not seclude your dog and he manages to escape out the door, he may find his neighborhood frightening due to it being filled with strange looking costumed creatures. Be sure Fido is wearing a tag with his name and your contact number in case he is too confused to find his way home.  If your dog does not have an identification microchip implanted between his shoulder blades, now is the time to get him one.  The chip is permanent and contains your contact information that is read by a scanner.  If you regularly change your phone number then consider using your vet as a primary contact point.  Contact your local veterinarian, shelter, or pet store for more information about microchiping your dog.

 3.  Second Best Costume Ever – Fur

Some dogs will tolerate you putting a costume on them but most find it uncomfortable and stressful.  If you insist on dressing up Fido, be sure the outfit does not constrict movement, vision, hearing, breathing and barking.

 4.  Appropriate Treats

Dogs and humans should always stick to their own treats and Halloween is no exception.  Chocolate is toxic to your dogs health.  Keep some yummy dog treats handy so Fido can participate in the holiday festivities and do not forget to keep a watchful eye over the candy that you are handing out.

 5.  Watch Out for Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener used in gum and candy and it is also toxic to your dog.  Watch for products containing Xylitol and keep them out of your pet’s reach. 

6.  Keep an Eye on Jack

The carved Jack O’Lantern looks great with a flame flickering inside of it and candles can be spooky and provide ambiance.   If your dog knocks over anything that is burning he could be seriously injured or start a fire. 

 7.  Keep Decorations Out of Your Dogs Reach

Keeping your dog away from candy is not the only hazard to worry about on Halloween.  Pumpkins, decorative corn, costume accessories, etc. may be non-toxic but if your dog eats them he may suffer from an upset tummy or even worse, intestinal blockage.

8.  Kids Outside – Dogs Inside

When the kids go out trick-or-treating keep Fido inside at home.  You may enjoy seeing friends, neighbors and kids dressed up in masks and costumes but this can be confusing and frightening for your dog.  Dog behavior can become unpredictable under stress so play it safe and leave your dog at home.

9.  Know Who to Call In Case Your Dog Becomes Sick

If you think your dog has consumed something dangerous have the following resources available:

• Your veterinarian’s number, local animal hospital, or after hours emergency vet.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center http://www.ascpca.org (888) 426-4435

10.  Do Not Forget About the Wrappers

The candy is has been eaten but have the wrappers been disposed of properly?  Candy wrappers and packaging could lead to choking or other medical issues if your dog finds them and eats them.  Clean up after your little goblins and be on the look out for dangerous debris for the next few days after Halloween.

Halloween is a fun time of year but it can be a scary, dangerous, and very stressful holiday for the family dog.  Make the holiday safer and less stressful for everyone involved by preparing your dog for Halloween.  Implement some common sense and safety tips on All Hallow’s Eve and the days and nights before and after.

Evaluate your dog’s personality and temperament and decide if the commotion of Halloween hobgoblins will be too overwhelming and confusing for your pet.  Do not feel guilty if you decide to exclude your dog from the holiday festivities.  The excitement, chaos, and stress of the doorbell ringing nonstop and the endless parade of odd looking little creatures can be enough to make an ordinarily good natured dog nervous and irritable.  Naturally protective breeds may mistake jovial trick-or-treaters for genuine threats.

Do not leave your dog unattended outside even if he is contained inside a fenced yard.  Eggs, candy and other items may be thrown at him and could cause physical harm or be consumed.  Be sure your dog does not have unsupervised access to visitors and visa versa, as mischievous youths may leave fence gates ajar or approach fenced areas.

Prepare a comfortable secure place for your dog to hang out on Halloween.  Most dogs will be content to “miss out” on the festivities and will be happier in the quiet comfort of their home.  If your dog is not crate trained, consider keeping him secure in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat hours.  With Fido tucked securely away in another part of the house, give him something tasty to chew.  Just because he is secluded from the festivities does not mean he cannot enjoy himself.  Chewing on a special treat will keep him occupied and help reduce his stress.

If you insist on taking your dog trick-or-treating, do it only during daylight hours and be sure your dog has previously been socialized around screaming children.  Put an adult in charge of supervising the dog at all times and be sure they are alert for signs of stress or aggression.  Keep your dog on a leash and never ring a doorbell with your dog at your side.  The resident dog and owners may not appreciate this.  Wait on the street or at the bottom of the driveway with your dog as the children ring the bell.

Do not allow your dog to greet anyone that he appears frightened by and do not force attention from anyone who seems afraid of your dog.  Normally good natured dogs may be leery of children in costumes so it is a good idea to stop children from hugging or being too forward with your dog while dressed in strange attire.

Some dogs will tolerate wearing a costume but most find it confusing, uncomfortable and stressful.  If you cannot resist the temptation to dress up your dog be sure the getup does not constrict his movement, vision, hearing, breathing and barking.  If Halloween is a warm day, dressing up your dog may be uncomfortably hot so take this into consideration.

Monitor what your dog eats on Halloween and do not let anyone feed your dog “treats.”  Chocolate is toxic to dogs if enough of it is consumed and Xylitol is a sweetener used in candy that is also hazardous to Fido’s health.  Other tempting consumable items that can be dangerous are candles, Halloween make up, candy wrappers, decorations and small costume accessories.

Being prepared ahead of time for potential doggy hazards that can occur on Halloween will reduce stress for both you and your friend.  Remember that loud mobs of costumed children can be genuinely frightening and traumatic to some dogs.  Be aware of your dog’s safety and be sensitive to his stress level so everyone can enjoy a Happy Halloween!