Christmas is a time of joy and fun for all the family, including your dog or puppy. However, plenty of hidden dangers could spoil your pleasure and even end with a trip to an emergency vet, so here are our 6 Christmas hazards for dogs to avoid this festive season.
Chocolate
Chocolate is your number one enemy when it comes to curious pups and gift boxes of sweet treats. According to one survey, Chocolate exposure was more commonly recorded at Christmas than at any other time of year, but there are several ways to keep your dog safe from chocolate consumption; Avoid decorating the tree with chocolate coins, which can easily fall, even if placed out of the dog's reach. Chocolate advent calendars are an easy steal for your dog if left out. Keep them firmly out of reach from your dog. In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it's easy to forget about that box of chocolates left unattended on the coffee table. Finally, don't forget that just because a confectionary gift is wrapped, it doesn't mean that your dog can't smell it and get into the parcel, so again, keep it out of paw's reach!
Dogs On The Loose
If you have a full house over Christmas, it might be worth installing a door guard in between the front door and your hallway to allow your visitors to arrive and leave without the risk of the dog escaping out the front door. During the chaos of Christmas, it's easy for someone to forget to close the door after them if they are just popping back to their car. It only takes a few seconds for your dog to slip out of the front door, and you could lose him forever. Installing a dog guard gate and keeping your dog's collar with an id tag on (just in case) are two safety measures you can take.
Christmas Gifts Or Christmas Hazards For Dogs?
Christmas is a time for giving. Whilst your dog might love the excitement of wrapping paper chaos, it's easy to miss small items that could become choking hazards. Christmas hazards for dogs such as packaging items containing silica gel sachets can drop out of opened gifts and, if digested, can cause blockages in the gut. Gifts such as children's toys should be kept out of reach from curious puppies who are more likely to chew and explore life with their mouths.
Christmas Trees
You may have puppy-proofed your house, but Christmas brings new challenges. Apart from chocolate Christmas decorations, items like glass baubles on your Christmas tree which can drop and shatter in your dog's mouth or underfoot, are dangerous. Pine needles can cause tummy upsets if ingested so make sure your dog doesn't develop a taste for them, ensuring you hoover up any dropped pine needles daily.
Sticky Mess
Whether it's paints or playdough, kids love to get messy! If your dog loves to join in the fun, you'll need to keep an eye on any new arts and crafts kits that the children open and be prepared to give your dog a quick bath if things get sticky! Fortunately, our range of shampoos is perfect for dogs that can't help but get stuck into life. Choose our Mucky Pup Shampoo for a powerful but gentle approach and finish with our FurFresh Coat Spray.
Festive Plants
Traditionally festive plants such as poinsettia, mistletoe and ivy are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Christmas hazards for dogs include displays of fresh flowers which will often include lilies which are potentially fatal if eaten in large quantities. Keep these plants well out of reach from your dog, or opt for faux versions to further minimise any risk.
Don't let Christmas hazards ruin you or your dog's festive fun, and have a pawsome Christmas that you'll all enjoy and remember for the right reasons.
For More Advice For Keeping Your Puppy Safe, How To Puppy Proof Your Garden.