The festive period is filled with happiness and celebration but, for our four-legged friends, it can also present some unforeseen hazards. This was recently brought to light by dog trainer Amanda, who goes by Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, as she issued an extremely important warning to dog owners.
Focusing on Christmas, she offered some crucial expert guidance that people need to keep in mind during the festive period. Whilst it’s a wonderful time of year, when our homes are adorned with all manner of beautiful decorations, some of these items can actually present quite significant risks to our pets if not kept safely.
There are some things you need to understand to safeguard your dog before we fully embrace the festive spirit. You may not realise, but some things in our homes can pose our pets serious risk.
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Amanda explained: “Your Christmas tree is magical, but your dog doesn’t know it’s not a playground. Christmas trees are gorgeous, but they come with a few hidden dog hazards that most owners don’t think about until something goes wrong.
“Puppies especially look at a decorated tree like it’s a brand-new enrichment activity delivered straight from the North Pole. A few simple tweaks make a huge difference.
“Keep breakable ornaments higher up, block access for the first couple of days so the novelty wears off, avoid chocolate decorations completely and supervise closely until the tree becomes ‘boring’.
“You don’t need to battle or constantly say ‘leave it’. You just need smart management and a little patience. A safe dog is a relaxed dog, and a relaxed dog makes for a much calmer Christmas.”
In essence, any form of decorative chocolate should be completely avoided. Whether you have chocolate decorations on your tree, an Advent calendar or a large bowl of chocolates available for guests to indulge in over the festive season, chocolate should never be left within reach of dogs. Remove it from your home or keep it out of your pet’s sight.
This is because of the presence of a chemical called theobromine in chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more harmful it is.
Dogs should never ingest chocolate and, if they do, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately. The risk it poses will depend on the dog’s weight, the type of chocolate consumed and the quantity they have eaten.
Christmas can also present several other hazards to dogs. This is because numerous items that can harm them are placed around the home.
What could harm your dog this Christmas?
Just so you’re aware, there may be several things in your home that could pose a danger to dogs. Many festive foods are toxic to pets, including items like chocolate, raisins, onions and alcohol.
Decorations that can cause obstructions or injuries, such as tinsel, baubles, lights and salt dough ornaments, can also be harmful, so vigilance is key. Additionally, several festive plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy are toxic to dogs.
Moreover, some pets may experience stress due to visitors or changes in routine. It’s important to be mindful of these factors to avoid emergencies.
Of course, if you have any concerns about your dog during the festive period, it’s advisable to consult a vet for further guidance. Professional advice is crucial if your dog exhibits signs of illness.
