The festive period delivers heaps of happiness and celebration yet, for our beloved pets, it can also present some unforeseen hazards. This concern was recently brought to light by dog trainer Amanda, who goes by Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, when she delivered a crucial alert to dog owners.
Focusing on the Christmas period, she offered some essential professional guidance that pet owners should heed during the holiday season. Whilst it’s an enchanting time of year, with our homes adorned with all manner of beautiful decorations, some of these festive items can actually create significant risks for our furry friends if not properly managed.
There are certain facts you must understand to safeguard your canine companion before we fully embrace the Christmas spirit. You might be surprised to learn that decorations around your home could spell trouble for your four-legged pal.
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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’ve adorned your tree with chocolate decorations, have an Advent calendar or a large bowl of chocolates for guests to indulge in over the festive period, never leave chocolate within reach of dogs. Remove it or keep it out of their sight.
This is due to the presence of a chemical called theobromine in chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more lethal it becomes.
Dogs should never be allowed to eat chocolate and, if they do, immediate veterinary advice must be sought. The risk posed depends on the dog’s weight, the type of chocolate ingested and the quantity consumed.
Christmas can also present various other hazards to dogs. This is because numerous items that could harm them are often scattered 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 these pets, including items such as 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 it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye. Additionally, several festive plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy are toxic to dogs.
Moreover, some pets might feel stressed due to an influx of visitors or changes in their routine. It’s important to be mindful of these factors to avoid any emergencies.
Of course, if you have any concerns about your dog during the festive period, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet for further advice. If your dog exhibits signs of illness, seeking professional help is absolutely vital.
