CAUTION: KEEPING THE CHRISTMAS CHEER

​The holidays are here and there is so much excitement to be had. This time of year is almost magical. 

Joy abounds. The mad dash of parents getting presents or their giggles over plotting surprises. Children wishing and writing notes, "Dear Santa, May I..."  The hope, the dreams, and best of all the warmth of loved ones nearby. 

I admit, it's one of my personal favorites of the year, but sometimes a bit melancholic. Along with the goodies, decor, and plants, there are a variety of ways and opportunities for furbabies to get into trouble. ​

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN 12.04.2021

​In Memory of Zaney

​
​CHECKLIST: 

• Gates: Gates offer protection for all the following:
• Candy: Sugar-Free candy is extremely poisonous for dogs and quick acting especially if it contains Xylitol.
• Xylitol is a very fast poison for dogs
• Food: Share the joy not the food. Many holiday fares have spices, etc., that range from upsetting a dog's stomach to poison.
• Lights: Chewing cords. Puppies love their chew toys and that includes cords.
• Ornaments: Broken ornaments are choking hazards.
• Presents: Bows and ribbons are choking hazards.
• Trees: Trees, artificial or not, pose two problems. Both a fresh tree and an artificial are sprayed with anti-inflammatory material to lessen the chance of a fire. The anti-inflammatory tastes sweet to the dog so they may chew or gnaw on the tree.
• Christmas Tree Pine Needles: which are poisonous in quantity for dogs. The gum/oil on the needle will irritate the mouth and throat. Both of these things can be a serious threat to your pup.
• Quantity: One of our people lost their puppy to pine needle consumption.
• Tape Dispensers: Plastic tape dispensers can crunch, splinter, and become a choking hazard.
• Tree Water: The preservative to add to water. If the dog gets thirsty and drinks from the tree bowl, this is not a good thing for doggies. Use plain water.
• Tinsel: Tinsel is a wonderful, crinkly, sounds fun to play with but it is a choking hazard.
• Wreaths: Can be a chewing hazard the same as trees.​

We hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas, holiday, or break! May your days be merry, bright, and above all, warm the heart.