Happy Holidays! This can be a pretty fun time of year for our canine buddies. Fido gets to play with new toys, collect extra belly rubs from guests, and spend some quality time with his favorite humans. However, the holidays can be dangerous for pets, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your furry pal. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA vet offers some seasonal dog safety tips.

Be Careful With Food

Our furry friends are very, very cute, and it’s probably safe to say they know it. Fido has had a long time to perfect his begging skills! It’s fine to give him something extra yummy, but stick to healthy options, like plain, cooked, boneless meat or chicken. Don’t let your pooch have garlic or onions; grapes, currants, or raisins; macadamia nuts; avocado; fruits with seeds or pips; raw dough; chocolate; caffeine; or anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of fat, sugar, or salt.

Decorate Carefully

Fido is very playful, which is one reason he’s such a fun companion. Keep this in mind with decorating. Many of those pretty decorations are very dangerous to dogs! Items with ropes or strings, such as garlands, lights, and tinsel, can choke or entangle frisky pets. Your pooch could also hurt himself playing with sharp objects, such as ornaments. Plants are also a concern. Poinsettias, holly, ivy, and many other seasonal favorites are toxic to Man’s Bff. Candles and open flames are also a concern.

Offer Extra TLC

The holidays can be a stressful time for Fido. The best way to help him deal with his doggy angst? Make sure he’s getting plenty of exercise and playtime, so he can channel his anxiety into healthy outlets. If your furry buddy gets extremely nervous, ask your vet about offering him some pet-calming products.

Minimize Stress

Many pups are scared of the noise and commotion, and may bolt out of fear when things get hectic. (This is a big concern on New Year’s Eve.) If Fido seems uneasy, put him in a safe, comfy spot, such as an open crate or a quiet bedroom, with bedding, food, toys, and treats. You may also want to turn on a radio for background noise. Season’s Greetings from all of us here at Westside Animal Hospital, your local Savannah, GA animal clinic. Please contact us anytime!