   Home | About American Bulldogs | News & Updates | Males | Females | American Bulldog T-Shirts | Photos | Puppies | Link Exchange | Webrings | Contact Holiday Safety Tips For Dogs The holiday season is upon us once again. It is a time of celebration with family and friends. Unfortunately, the season also brings with it some potential hazards to your four-legged friends. By being aware of the threats below and taking a few precautions, you can keep your dog safe and healthy. Table Scraps: It is not a good idea to feed your dog table scraps. Sudden changes in diet can lead to gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, and weight gain. People foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins are actually toxic to dogs. Bones: Do not give left over bones to your canine companions. Eating bones can cause choking or stomach upset. Cooked bones can splinter and cause perforations in the throat, stomach, and intestines. Surgery is sometimes required to remove obstructions from the intestines. Electrical Cords: Dogs, especially teething puppies, may be tempted to chew on cords. Frayed electrical cords can cause a fire, burns, or electrocution. It is best to keep cords away from dogs and always unplug lights when dogs are unsupervised. Cord covers can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, nervousness, seizures, and diarrhea. Unsweetened baking chocolate has a higher dose of the toxin than milk chocolate, but milk chocolate is dangerous, too. Plants: Holiday plants may be toxic so it is best to keep them away from your pooch. Some common harmful plants are mistletoe, holly, and Jerusalem cherry. Check with your veterinarian or poison control center for a complete list. Holiday Decorations: Always secure Christmas trees so your dog does not knock it over. Keep the water stand covered because your dog may drink from it and the pine sap mixed with water can be poisonous. Ornaments, ribbon, and tinsel should be kept out of reach as consumption of these items can cause serious intestinal problems. Some perfumes, sprays, and potpourri are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach. Don’t let strands of lights hang low because dogs may become tangled. Lastly, be sure to pick up any fallen ornament hooks. Fire: Never leave your dog alone with an open flame. Many people like to have a fire in the fireplace during the cold winter months. Always keep the fireplace screened off. Do not leave dogs unattended with lit candles because they can burn themselves and/or knock candles over. Parties: It may be wise to keep your dog in a separate room during a party for several reasons. Many dogs get stressed out by a lot of strangers in the house. Guests open and close the door to your home many times and your dog may run outside without anyone even noticing. Dogs, especially small ones, are easily stepped on or tripped over. In conclusion, the holiday season is a happy time, but it can be disastrous for dogs. Being aware of the above hazards can help keep your dog safe.
Article presented courtesy of: Morgan Carter
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