During
the Christmas period we need to make sure that our pets are able
to cope with the festivities and that they stay well and happy.
Decorations and Presents
Keep holiday goodies away from your dog and also take care with
tinsel and other decorations, which can look like toys but can shatter
if chewed or cause an obstruction if swallowed. Watch for trailing
cables on tree lights. Don’t have them trailing across the
corner of the room or swinging about where dogs can chew or
pull them.
All candles and naked flames should be placed well out of
the way of wagging tails. If you have decorated your home
with berries and mistletoe, make sure these decorations are
also well out of your dogs reach.
Take care with presents under the tree. If a someone has given
you a gift of chocolates, your dog will find this out much
quicker than you will. Remember, not only will the present
be ruined but chocolate is poisonous
to dogs in sufficient quantities. Similarly, do not hang chocolate
decorations on your tree. |
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Don’t forget Fido
In all the excitement of Christmas, don’t forget your pooch.
They will need the same amount of love, attention, grooming and
general care as they usually do. And don’t forget that pets
are a great way for humans to de-stress, so stroking the dog has
benefits for both of you.
Many of us eat more than usual at Christmas and sit around a centrally
heated house. But remember to take your dog for their usual walks.
Enjoy the fresh air and time together. If you have visitors, why
not ask them to come to. Everyone will come home rosy cheeked and
refreshed.
A dog is for life
| Never
give a pet for Christmas, ever. Similarly, it is not a good
idea to bring home a new family pet during the holiday season
either. It is tempting to get a new pet during the holidays
when everyone is home but |
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bear in mind that Christmas is a hectic and noisy time of
year, with lots of loud bangs from Xmas Crackers and lots
of strangers going in and out of the house. This would not
be an ideal time for any dog to settle stress-free into a
new home. |
Christmas can be stressful
We all know that Christmas can sometimes be stressful for us but
did you know that it can also be stressful for our pets. Even well
established pets can find the Christmas period hectic and daunting.
Older dogs can be particularly affected. Make sure your dog has
a nice quiet place they can go, with a comfy bed and plenty of peace
and quiet available to them whenever they need it.
Children
If your dog is not used to children, take care if younger family
members are visiting over the festive season. Older dogs especially
can find young children hard to tolerate. Make sure any visiting
children are told how to handle a dog and make sure they always
show your dog respect. Do not leave children alone with a dog, any
dog, at any time.
Gifts and treats
It can be fun to buy your pet extra special gifts and treats at
Christmas but take care with your choices. Choose quality toys and
treats that are made especially for pets. Also, don’t feed
your dog too many treats, especially ones that are high in colourings
or flavourings. This overload could make your dog hyperactive and
also cause upset tummies.
Take
care that your dog is not overfed with too many tit bits.
If you have house guests over the festive season, make sure
they don’t slip your pooch too many treats.
If you are feeding your dog a special Xmas meal, bear in mind
that what is good for us might not suit your dog. In particular,
steer clear of rich foods, sauces and gravy. A little white
meat and vegetables will make your dog much happier than flatulence-inducing
sauces and gravy. |
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Gift ideas
We have some great gift ideas at the D for Dog Online
Shop. Please check individual items for last posting dates.
Giving
to Charity at Christmas
Don’t forget less fortunate dogs this Christmas. Extra donations
to charities at this time of year are always welcome. Alternatively,
ask your local rescue centre if they would like any extra blankets
or toys for the dogs. Some charities would also be grateful for
any unwanted gifts that they can raffle off later in the year. Or
why not do some of your Xmas shopping via a dog charity website.
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Many
charities supplement their donation income with money raised
via their charity shops. There are also schemes where charities
specifically request toys, equipment and donations as Xmas
pressies for the animals in their care.
Click here to
Help Every Dog To Have A
Happy Christmas |
Articles that may also be of interest:
Tips
for Autumn and Winter |
