Thanksgiving safety tips for your dog

The holiday season has started and as you know that means family, friends and more food than most of us could ever imagine eating. I am in the process of putting together a meal and while pies are baking I thought some tips on creating a safe Thanksgiving for your dog might come in handy.

Chocolate and Other Sweets
Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs, so keep all chocolate treats and pies well out of reach of your dog. If you are serving raisins or grapes, those are also dangerous for your dog. Another danger is xylitol which is found in many chewing gums and other candy. Xylitol can seizures, low blood sugar, liver failure and can be fatal.

Foods on the Do Not Eat List
In addition to the sweeter things, your dog should not eat or drink any of these people foods:

• Alcohol - can lead to a coma, and death.
• Onions - all colors and varieties of onions can lead to a dangerous form of anemia that may not be detected for days. Can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea and even pancreatitis.
• Dough - can cause pain, vomiting, and bloating. Can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea and even pancreatitis.
• Macadamia nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
• Sage is a common holiday ingredient and should be kept out of your dog’s reach to prevent upset stomach and central nervous system issues. 

Don’t Overindulge
This is great advice for people and pets during the holidays! First we should all pay attention to the high fat content of foods on the table. Dogs should not be overindulging and consuming fatty foods while they are enjoying the party and company because they can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and even life-threatening pancreatitis. You may need to instruct visitors that the dogs shouldn’t be getting handouts – sometimes it takes a good description of what happens to any excesses for folks to truly appreciate your guidelines.  A few thin strips of turkey on a dog's normal food is probably fine, but don't overdo it. Turkey skin can also cause problems with your dog's digestive system, so make sure if you are sharing turkey that any minimal treats are both skinless and boneless.

Bones
No turkey bones for your dog! The cooked bones can be extremely brittle, sharp and dangerous for your dog. If your dog were to consume turkey bones they could lodge in his digestive tract for days before you know about it and by then you have a full-blown emergency on your hands. Get bones and turkey carcasses well out of reach and dispose of them safely and properly. (The carcass could become an excellent turkey stock starter for leftovers.)

Poison Control
For more information on poisons that can harm your dog, please consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or ASPCA | Animal Poison Control Center.  ASPCA | People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets http://bit.ly/exUeYf

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Holiday Pet Tips

Holidays can be fun to share with pets, but they are also full of stress, temptation and danger. Follow these tips to keep your holidays full of cheer.

Bows are for presents
A holiday bow around a pet's neck can strangle an animal that catches a paw on it. A much better solution is a snap away collar with a festive seasonal design.

Tails and Treasures.
Place fragile and chewable decorations well out of reach. Your treasured holiday displays can be trash with one sweep of an enthusiastic tail.

Indoor Plumbing and Watering Hole
Live trees are a beautiful sight to behold for your territorial dogs. Many male dogs will find your beautiful tree an excellent alternative to relieving themselves outdoors. Both cats and dogs may find the tree water tempting, make sure to use pet friendly preservatives in the tree's water.

The Tree of Temptation
Cats love to pounce on trees. Make yours less interesting by tying it with a clear fishing line to a nearby window. Hang your most valuable and/or breakable ornaments near the top, securely fastened with hooks and further anchored with twist ties or floral wire. The bottom can then be adorned with felt ornaments and candy canes to entertain your cat.

Tinsel Trauma
Avoid using tinsel. Instead use a vinyl garland and specialty lights. They brighten the tree and you won't have to worry about your cat eating them and having digestive problems or choking.

Taper Trouble
If candles are part of your holiday celebration, consider using a holder with a glass that covers the flame. These are preferred because they are less likely to singe the fur. Never leave candles unattended with pets in the room to protect them and your home. With a menorah, place it high on a mantel or on a specially built shelf.

Pet Toys
Be sure your pets have plenty of toys so they are not tempted to play with holiday decorations.

Leftovers and Cookies should be stored or disposed of
Your pet's digestive system can't handle all the goodies, and besides making them sick, it could make a mess of your home. Give them healthy, nutritious canine and feline treats that are appropriate for them.

Plants like poinsettias, holly, amaryllis and mistletoe should be kept out of reach of all your pets. These plants can be harmful, and owners should call a veterinarian immediately if a pet ingests them.

Keep chocolate away from your dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine which can be harmful and sometimes fatal.

Clean salt from streets and sidewalks out of paws. It can be really irritating and drying to the pads.

Change outside water and food dishes to ceramic or plastic.
When the temperature drops, pick up your metal bowls. Pet's tongues can freeze to these. If you have outdoor water bowls, check them often and break out the ice. Frozen water does your animals no good.

Stick with your routine.
Keep dogs on their normal feeding and walking routine during holiday festivities. If company makes a dog nervous, tuck its crate in an out-of-the-way area like your bedroom to provide a sense of security.

New Baby and Your Dog

A new baby coming into your home can cause rivalries and danger to both your dog and your new baby. There are some basic steps you can take to help everyone make the adjustment.

Allow you dog to sniff things your baby will be using so the dog's scent will be on these items. This is a sanitary method because dogs can pick up scent on items even after the have been laundered.

Get yourself a baby doll and introduce it to your dog using the word "baby" and teaching your dog to sit and lie down whenever the baby is near.

Train your dog. If your dog hasn't been trained yet, it need to learn SIT, DOWN and HEEL. Find a local obedience trainer and get signed up for an obedience class.

Introduce your dog to toddlers. Start with toddlers that are away from your dog's territory, then on his property and finally in your house.

Acclimate your dog to a baby's cry. You can do this with a tape recording of babies at the hospital. (There may even be recordings like this on places like eBay.) Let pooch check out this sound and investigate as long as all four feet stay on the floor.

When your baby comes home from the hospital, have mom enter the house first without the baby. Introduce the dog to the baby's items first and then the baby. Do not let the baby interfere with the dog's regular routines with like feeding, walking and playtime. Never leave your dog alone with the baby and do not let the dog sleep in the baby's room.

Remember that children can hurt dogs too. Don't get a dog for the baby, the baby is too young to learn about a dog. It is not a good idea for them to "grow up together" because you'll be too busy to attend the needs of both. Teach your child that a dog needs quiet when sleeping and eating. Teach your child to pet the dog gently and use a calm voice.

For More Information:

Preventing Dog Bites
Dog Safety Tips for Children and Parents

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