Holiday Hazards For Your Dog: What To Watch Out For
When the holidays roll around, it means a lot of fun, food, and decorations for you and your family. However, for your family dog, it could mean trouble if you do not know what to watch out for and to keep your dog away from. The holidays can be hazardous to pets and could even mean a trip or two to the animal hospital if things go awry. Get to know some of the holiday hazards that you can and should watch out for with your dog so that you can be sure that you are doing your best to keep your dog healthy all holiday season long.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the favorite sweet treats that many people like to indulge in over the holidays. And while this is a safe, though high in calories, treat for you and your human family, for dogs it can be a serious danger.
Theobromine, a substance in chocolate, is highly toxic to dogs. While tiny amounts will usually only result in a bit of stomach upset or even may not result in any symptoms, if any significant amount of chocolate is consumed, it can cause severe digestive issues, respiratory and cardiovascular distress, or even death.
Do your best to keep all chocolate out of reach of your dog. If they do consume any chocolate, be sure that you take them to the animal hospital as soon as possible to ensure that they get the treatments that they need in order to overcome the toxin exposure and recover.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are a traditional holiday decorative plant that many people bring into their homes. These are beautiful plants that add festive color to your interior decor and can transform any space into one that is ready for the holiday season.
However, for dogs (as well as cats if you have them), poinsettias can be a dangerous temptation. If a dog ingests any poinsettia leaves or petals, they can become deathly ill because the plant is toxic to consume. Keep your poinsettias on high shelves or places that are difficult to reach for your dog. Watch for any petals or leaves that drop from the plant and make sure that they get picked up as soon as possible so that your dog does not decide to chew on them or eat them.
With these holiday hazards in mind, you can be sure that you are doing everything that you can to keep your dog as healthy as possible during the holiday season.
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