Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Tips for your Pups!

Quite a few of our beloved clients (the dogs that is, as opposed to their very popular owners!) have sensitive tummies, and there are several who suffer from very serious digestive problems like pancreatitis, IBS and colitis.

We want you and your pups to have a fun, relaxing and vet-free (!) holiday season, so here are a few safety tips and warnings to help ensure a safe holiday.

- Do not give your dog, cooked bones. These can and do puncture dogs’ throats and intestines. Bird bones are especially dangerous because they are hollow and will splinter.

- Avoid giving your dog turkey skin. It is extremely high in fat and is believed to be a cause of acute pancreatitis. (Same goes for gravy and other rich, fatty foods)

– Other food risks include some you probably know (chocolate and raisins) and some you may not (bread dough and nuts). However one very dangerous but lesser known toxic ingredient is Xylitol, a popular sweetener found in sugar free candy and gum.

- Though it depends on the particular brand as well as the size of the dog, it is estimated that 8-10 sticks of gum containing Xylitol could be deadly to a 65lb dog. Smaller dogs could easily be affected by a much smaller amount. So keep that pack of Orbit out of reach!

- Dispose of carcasses, leftovers and even plastic wrap or aluminum foil properly. A turkey and gravy soaked piece of Reynolds Wrap would be an irresistible temptation for any dog but could result in a blockage.

- Ask your friends and family to refrain from giving your dog any treats except his own.

- Always keep your dog’s collar and tags on when you’re entertaining holiday visitors. You never know when someone will accidentally leave a door open.

- Watch out for signs of stress or anxiety in your dog (lip licking, low growls, pacing, panting for no reason, yawning, whining) and give them a break from the hubbub. Be especially careful when kids are around – children with loud or high-pitched voices who want to hug him, can test even the best-tempered dog.

- Give your dog a private, calm area where he or she can relax. Keep his bed in the room, provide fresh water, a tasty treat and perhaps some soothing music.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!