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Christmas and Dogs – Keeping Your Dog Safe

Christmas is generally a time of cheer and happiness for many humans, but can be a difficult, and somewhat dangerous, time of the year for our pups; it is a time of change, there are more visitors and noises and there are new objects and smells in our homes.

Our Dogs Team in Victoria have put together some Christmas dangers to look out for to protect your dog’s health and well being during the festive season.

Decorations

For curious pups, a Christmas  tree presents a hazard. Set up your Christmas tree in a room to which your pup does not have access, or place a playpen or barrier around the tree to prevent pup from accessing the tree, decorations and presents.  Keep tinsel and other garland materials and ornaments well away from your dog to avoid chewing and accidental ingestion.

Foods

Christmas cake and pudding are especially dangerous to dogs as they contain sultanas, currents and raisins.  Grapes and grape products are highly toxic to dogs.  Should your pup eat any sultanas, or products containing dried or fresh grapes please contact a veterinarian right away.

Chocolate is another toxic food that is often more present in a household at Christmas time.  The compound in chocolate that is toxic to dogs is theobromine.  Theobromine acts on a dog’s nervous system, heart muscle and renal system.  The early (mild) symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea and hyperactivity.  Depending on the amount of chocolate consumed, these symptoms can progress to increased heart rate, restlessness, muscle twitching, panting, whimpering and increased urination and water consumption.  Severe toxicity can lead to shock, seizures, coma and death.

Of course any food that is left unattended on low tables (or even higher tables) in a Labrador’s household is an open invitation for a cheeky meal!  Keeping your pup next to you on a leash next to you when you’re entertaining can help prevent stealing and scavenging behaviour.  Of course educating your guests about your dog’s diet will also help ensure that your pup doesn’t get any sneaky treats handed to them under the table.  Shashlik sticks are very dangerous to dogs so please be mindful when BBQing at home or going to friends’ homes that your dog is with you and supervised at all times.

Visiting other people’s homes

Most dog poisoning incidents happen in  other  people’s homes.  Check homes for potential hazards including the presence of rat and snail bait, the use of compost and fertilisers and the presence of objects that, if swallowed, may obstruct a pup’s gut before allowing your pup free-range in other people’s gardens and homes.  If you are uncertain of how safe another person’s home or garden is for your pup, you can keep your pup on leash with you throughout the visit.

Christmas presents for dogs

Christmas is a time for gifting, but not all doggy gifts are created equal – some cheaper dog toys and treats can be easily broken and ingested, causing blockages.

Sometimes commercial stockings for dogs can make tummies upset and those with skin allergies itchy. Have some fun and make your own Christmas stocking, filling it with your pup’s favourite treats and toys.

Christmas Day tips

Keep your pup healthy and happy on Christmas Day with these suggestions:

• Create a calm, quiet spot for your pup away from the noise and movement.
• Exercise your pup before any guests arrive.
• Keep Christmas flowers and plants out of your pet’s reach. Be aware of which typical Christmas plants are toxic to dogs e.g. poinsettia.
• Quickly clean up any bows, plastic and ribbons so there is no chance of pup swallowing them by mistake.

If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with the Dogs Team in your state.