The holidays are upon us! Many of us are looking forward to spending some time with our loved ones at this special time of year, enjoying seasonal traditions and that wonderful seasonal food. If you have a dog, your canine pal will be right by your side during the winter holidays. In this article, a Myrtle Beach, SC vet offers some tips on celebrating the holidays with Fido.
Holiday Hazards
The holidays pose some very serious threats to dogs! Food is one thing to be careful of: pay close attention to what you feed your pup. Garlic, onions, and chives; chocolate; alcohol; macadamia nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; bones; raw dough; and products containing xylitol are all dangerous for Fido. You’ll also want to be careful with decorations. Your beloved pooch could choke on or get entangled in ribbons, tinsel, garlands, lights, and other decorations. Holiday plants, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are also dangerous to dogs.
Keeping Fido Happy Around Visitors
Just like people, our canine pals all have individual personalities. While some pups will be delighted to get cuddles and belly rubs from visitors, others can feel anxious or territorial around guests. If your pooch falls into the latter category, keep him in a separate room with toys, food, treats, and a bed while you’re hosting visitors, and use a baby gate to contain him. Your pet will still see and hear you, but won’t be underfoot. Also, if you’re hosting a gathering, take your furry friend for a long walk beforehand, and tire him out with a good play session. He’ll be much calmer afterwards.
Gifts
Are you wondering what to get Fido this year? While toys and treats are always great doggy gifts, you can also get that tail wagging with a new pet bed or doghouse. Senior pooches may enjoy orthopedic beds, heating pads, or elevated dishes, while younger, more active dogs might prefer fun gifts like puzzle toys or automated ball launchers.
Photos
Don’t forget to snap some cute holiday shots of Fido! Get a picture of your canine buddy in front of the Christmas tree, or snuggled up with a cozy holiday blanket. This can be a great addition to a family holiday card! Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Myrtle Beach, SC vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health, behavior, or care.
