Holiday Fun Without the Holiday Hazards

’Tis the season for decking our halls with holiday decor, hosting festive gatherings, and in much of the United States, it also means cold temperatures and sometimes, snowy and icy conditions. All of these scenarios can also present hazardous situations for your canine companion as well. 
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​Here are some tips to help you keep your favorite furry friend safe over the holidays and throughout the upcoming winter months:

Tree Trimmings & Decorations
If you put up a tree, use caution in ensuring it is secured from toppling over, as well as when choosing how to decorate it… 

• Fragile ornaments should be either avoided, or securely hung at a safe distance out of your puppies reach. With a young puppy in the house, we avoid putting ornaments on the lower branches as an added defense against puppy curiosity.
• Tinsel can be especially hazardous to your pet if ingested, so it is best to refrain from using it altogether.
• Tape down and conceal any exposed cords to keep your pet safe from an electrical shock.
• Avoid potentially dangerous holiday plants including holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias. 

Holiday Gatherings
Most of us want to include our favorite furry companions in our festivities, but it is also important to protect them from potential hazards…

• If your pet can’t help himself when it comes to counter-surfing for possible food scraps, it’s best to crate him during holiday gatherings that may make it more difficult to keep your eye on him.
• The holiday season also mean that there are usually more sweets in the house. Many of these treats include ingredients, such as xylitol and chocolate, that are very harmful to your pets if ingested. Be sure to keep them out of reach and always make sure the lids on your garbage cans are secured. 
• Chances are if you are social, so is your furry companion; however, even they need a break from all the holiday festivities. Make sure they have access to their own quiet space to which they can retreat if they feel (or you feel) they are partied-out. 

Winter Wonderland
After weeks of indulging in holiday treats and spirits, there is nothing better then getting outside with our four-legged friends for a crisp winter hike; however, sometimes the weather outside is frightening, and we need to take added steps to keep them protected from the harmful elements…

• Humans are not the only ones susceptible to frostbite, so be cautious of walking your dog for too much time in these elements without proper protection, such as a paw protectant product or paw booties. 
• Always dry your pups feet after a walk in the snow and ice, making sure to get in between the toes. This is especially important if you walk your pup in areas that have been treated with salt or other ice-melting chemicals. 
• Keep your pet inside! If it is too cold for you, it is definitely too cold for your pet. Providing them with shelter that is dry and warm, along with cozy and warm bed will help to keep your pet safe from hypothermia and winter perils.

We wish you and your families a very wonderful and safe holiday season. We are so very grateful for your support and cherish the friendships that have developed over the year with all of our families and friends, both new and old. 
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Happy Holidays!!

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