Holiday Dog Care Tips

Happy Holidays! The next few weeks are going to absolutely fly by for many of us. This is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be a bit stressful. As you prepare for this year’s seasonal festivities, don’t forget to show your canine buddy some extra TLC. A Savage, MN veterinarian offers some holiday dog care tips in this article.

Decorate Carefully

Dogs are very curious about things, and they often are most interested in finding out whether something is edible and/or satisfying to chew on. This can be very dangerous, as so many common household items present choking, entanglement, and/or poison risks. Anything small or sharp is a concern here. That includes things like tree ornaments, ornament hooks, small collectibles, and manger pieces, to name a few. Stringy or ropy items, such as ribbons, garland, and tinsel, are also unsafe. Toxic plants are also a concern. Many popular holiday plants, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, poinsettias, and Peace lilies, are poisonous to our four-legged pals.

Get Pawesome Gifts

Don’t forget to pick up something for your canine pal! Toys are of course a great option for dogs. Just choose things that are the right size for Fido. Your pup may also appreciate a new bed or a comfy harness.

Be Cautious With Food

Those delicious seasonal foods are just as tempting to pets as they are to us. Your furry pal can certainly enjoy something special over the next few weeks. If you like cooking, you may even want to try making your pup some treats. You’ll find lots of great recipes online. Stick with safe ingredients, such as minced meat, sodium-free broth, and natural peanut butter. It’s also important to be aware of what not to give your four-legged friend. That list includes grapes and raisins; garlic and onions; meat on the bone; avocado; any fruits or veggies with seeds, pips, or thick skin; raw meat or dough; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; or xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

Compensate For Schedule Changes

Fido can get uneasy and overwhelmed by a lot of changes, disruptions, and/or commotion. Some pooches are also unsettled by guests, or even decorations, such as that inflatable Rudolph in your yard. Spend some extra time with your pooch, and keep that tail going!

Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Savage, MN animal clinic, we’re here for you!