The holidays are just around the corner! As you start your preparations, don’t forget about your canine buddy! Fido will certainly enjoy some special treats and gifts. However, it’s also important to think about your pet’s safety. This time of year can be dangerous for Man’s Best Friend! Read on as a local Plano, TX vet lists some holiday hazards for dogs.

Food

Dangerous foods are at the top of the list of holiday hazards for dogs. Some of the things to keep away from Fido include chocolate; nuts; pitted fruits, especially avocado; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything containing xylitol. You should also never give your dog anything seasoned with garlic, onions, scallions, or chives. Meat on the bone, raw dough or meat, and caffeine are also on the no-no list. If you want to offer your faithful pet a special treat, give him some cooked, plain meat, fish, or poultry without the skin, bones, or fat.

Decorations

Our canine pals are definitely prone to trying to eat and chew things. This can be a very dangerous habit! Tinsel, lights, ornaments, ornament hooks, ribbons, and other decorative elements can all pose serious hazards to curious pups. Keep these things well out of paws’ reach!

Heating Elements

Candles can give your home a special holiday glow. However, they do not mix well with pets! Keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure places that Fido can’t reach. Standalone heaters are another concern: use protective gates or grates around these, so your furry buddy doesn’t get singed.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are very beautiful, but, unfortunately, they are toxic to dogs. Keep those plants in a secure place your canine companion can’t reach!

Visitors

Keep your furry friend’s comfort and safety in mind when preparing for guests. There’s always a chance that someone could step on your dog, or accidentally leave the door open. If you’re having young children visit, you also want to make sure they don’t unintentionally feed Fido something that’s bad for him. Just keep an eye on Fido.

Trash

Fido has been known to try and score himself some snacks out of the trash. However, the garbage could contain things like can lids, toothpicks, bones, tinfoil, and other hazards. Use a trashcan with a secure lid. Happy holidays! Please contact us, your local Plano, TX animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.