AKC Tips For Making Holiday Season Safe For Dogs

The holiday season is a time to spend with your family, but beware of the dangers the season may be hiding for your beloved dog. You may not realize it, but many of the decorations and food the season brings can be dangerous for Fido. The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for making the holidays safe for your pup.

Decorations

*When decorating your home, avoid using food such as popcorn or cranberry strands. If your pup eats them, they can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove.

*Shiny ornaments, such as tinsel, glass bulbs, and things that sparkle, should be placed higher up on your tree where Fido cannot reach them. Ingesting ornaments can cause major problems for your pup.

*Real Christmas trees and holiday greens all pose threats to your dog. You may want to consider an artificial tree, but if you do have a natural tree, make sure Fido does not swallow the pine needles or drink the tree water, which can cause stomach irritation. Holly and mistletoe can be poisonous to pets and should be kept out of reach.

*Exposed wires from holiday lights could electrocute your dog if he chews on them. Tape indoor wires to the wall and outdoor wires to the side of the house where your pup cannot reach them.

Food

*Table butter, meat, and candy are common parts of the holiday meal that can make your dog very ill. Take care to keep these foods out of reach.

*Chocolate is another food that is a common cause of sickness in dogs around the holidays. Baking chocolate or dark chocolate in particular can cause serious health problems in your pup.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.