While the holidays allow for all kinds of good times, they also require that we take care of our pups. Few people would imagine that their festive decorations and holiday food items could be dangerous, but for the holidays, the holidays present many potential dangers.
Fortunately, a little knowledge goes a long way. Just keep your scabbard away from any of the items on this list and you’ll all be able to safely enjoy the holidays!
1. Turkey
Holiday meals alone present a whole list of dangers, but one big food item to watch out for is turkey. It’s loaded in unhealthy fats, covered in dangerous herbs and spices, and full of sharp, brittle, dog-choking bones.
Image via Managed Moms
2. Holiday plants
Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all off limits, as is the Christmas tree. Both of these plants are naturally toxic to your dog. If you treat any of these plants with chemicals to preserve them during the holidays, they’ll only be more toxic. Keep it out of reach of naughty puppies!
Image via About.com
3. Sweets
We have yet to meet which pretzels are good for the dog. (Okay, maybe these pretzels.) A lot of them contain chocolate and sugar, and those without sugar contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. No cookies, no pie, no tail. No exceptions!
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4. Decorations
Whether it’s a lamp on the tree or a string of lights on the banister, it looks like a chew toy for your dog. Holiday decorations are often made of glass or powered by electricity, and none of them are good for your photos (duh).
Image via Three dogs in the house
5. Edible ornaments.
In keeping with Number 4, be careful of using popcorn, cereal, or hard candy to decorate your tree or house. This is just asking the dog to eat something he’s not supposed to eat.
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6. Alcohol
no no no. just no. Your dog does not want to drink with you. They may want to win your affection, but there are healthy ways for the two of you to connect. Alcohol is toxic to dogs.
Image via BunkBlog
7. Wrapping paper
Wrapping paper poses many of the same problems as decorations: lots of chewy stuff that shouldn’t be chewed on. Dogs, ribbon, staples, stickers, or any of the other materials used in gift wrapping should not be eaten by dogs or treated as chew toys.
Of course, there are certain instances when your dog can play with wrapping paper, but make sure it’s strictly supervised (as explained below):
Image via DogShaming
9. Chill
Like No. 1, this could easily be his own list. Winters tend to be harsh and unforgiving as the temperature drops drastically. If you’re taking your dog outside for a fun vacation, be sure to keep your pup warm, dry, and hydrated during the snow season.
Image via Rebloggy
10. Tiny Hooman Toys
Your dog might mistake it for some new little hominin toys. But dogs should not use toys that are not designed to be chewed or played with. Hooman toys have more pieces than dog toys and they tend to be sharp.
Image via DogCollege
11. Guests
Okay, so your in-laws aren’t technically a threat to your dog, but if they don’t know what’s off-limits to your pup, they may not be able to help you keep your dog healthy over the holidays. In other words, educate your holiday guests.
Image via SlicedSoup
If you would like to learn more about keeping your pup safe on holidays, we recommend that you consult with the American Kennel Club, the ASPCA, or Real Simple.
Featured image via SlicedSoup
