With the holiday season upon us, many people are busy cooking, decorating, and picking out special gifts for friends and family. Your canine buddy will be right by your side—or perhaps asleep at your feet—as you prepare for seasonal festivities. Read on as a local Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some great seasonal dog care tips.
Food
Fido definitely deserves a special holiday snack! Offer your pooch some plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin bones or fat. Or, if you like cooking, you can make your furry buddy a special treat. Just stick to ingredients that you know are safe for dogs. Some things to avoid include chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; nuts; pitted fruits; avocados; meat on the bone; raw dough or yeast; nuts; and grapes, currants, and raisins. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are also unsafe, as is anything that contains xylitol.
Safety
Keep your dog in mind as you decorate your home. Ribbons, tinsel, ornaments, ornament hooks, and electric lights are all very hazardous to playful pups. You’ll also want to be careful with plants. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, poinsettias, lilies, and other popular seasonal plants are toxic to pets. Pine needles are also unsafe. And, if you get a real tree, cover the water bowl: the water may contain traces of fire retardant, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Gifts
Your furry best friend deserves a special gift of his own! Toys are always a great option. Your pooch may also appreciate a new bed. Elevated dishes are another good choice. If Fido is a senior, get him some pet ramps. Want to give your four-legged pal a gift that keeps on giving? Sign him up for a monthly subscription box. Every month, you get to watch your canine companion get excited when his box of goodies arrives.
Doggy Petiquette
Make sure that Fido puts his best paw forward! If you are hosting celebrations, give your pooch a good bath before your guests arrive. We also recommend tiring your pup out beforehand. Take him for a long walk, and then give him a good doggy workout by playing Fetch . If your canine friend has a begging habit, keep him crated or in another room during meals.
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Collingswood Veterinary Hospital, your local Cherry Hill, NJ vet clinic! Please feel free to contact us anytime.
