Is Your Dog Safe This Holiday Season?

Each year when the holidays roll around, your home can become a dangerous place for your dog. There are holiday items on display that pose a threat, and foods are present that can be poisonous. There are ways to keep your dog safe as you entertain visitors during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and the occasional family holiday gatherings.

Beverages

Your dog should never be allowed to taste alcoholic beverages. Keep an eye on glasses that are set on coffee tables or any other surface your dog can reach. Caution your guests not to allow your dog access to their drinks. Alcohol can cause your dog to experience some serious problems. Grapes are highly toxic for dogs, and that means wine can also be poisonous. Hops, one of the primary ingredients in beer, are also toxic to dogs. Consumption can cause immediate and violent reactions in dogs. There is also the potential of permanent damage to the kidneys.  Dogs are at risk of ethanol toxicosis, which is exhibited by confusion, disorientation, and poor motor function.

Foods

As a pet owner, you are probably aware of most foods that are unhealthy for your dog, but your guests may not have that information. When people bring food from their homes to a holiday get together, it may contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs. If you have only a few guests, you can ask them to be careful of where they place their plates that still contain food. When you have many guests, it's best for your dog to spend the evening in a safe room where it is comfortable. Be sure you check on him or her frequently, provide water, favorite toys and blanket, and turn the television on. Foods that pose a danger to dogs include:

• Artificial sweetener
• Avocado
• Candy Corn
• Chocolate
• Fat from meat (causes pancreatitus)
• Foods containing Xylitol
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Gum
• Macadamia nuts
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Onion powder
• Raisins
• Walnuts

Holiday Decorations

Many holiday decorations are placed within the reach of pets. Dogs can always reach a Christmas tree, and you must be careful what you place on the lower branches. Place electrical cords inside plastic tubes to prevent your dog from being burned or shocked by chewing on them. Glass ornaments are especially dangerous if they get broken. The tiny shards can cause serious internal damage to a dog. Gifts should also remain out of your dog's reach. Paper and tape are not a barrier to a curious dog, especially if the scent of food or candy reaches its nose. There are tree barriers available that may prevent small dogs from reaching the tree, but just remember how resourceful they can be when curiosity takes hold.

Holiday Plants

You may purchase or be gifted with a lovely holiday plant. Some plants are very poisonous to dogs and need to be placed safely out of reach. Some of the more common holiday plants that can be dangerous include the amaryllis, holly, and poinsettia. Check the aspca.org web site for a complete list of all toxic plants.

With the many activities that take place during the holidays, it's helpful to have a list of things that keep your "best friend" healthy and happy. You can have a wonderful season of celebration with your friends, family, and dog by following the four tips listed above.