The holidays are officially here! Your canine pal will be right there by your side in the coming weeks as you prepare for seasonal events. Just keep your pet’s health and safety in mind at this special time of year. Here, a local Frisco, TX vet discusses caring for Fido during the holiday season.

Food

Fido will definitely be interested in that delicious holiday food, and may very well put on his cutest begging face to try and score some yummy treats. Unfortunately, not all people foods are safe for dogs. Never give your pup garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; pitted fruits; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; grapes, currants, or raisins. Meat on the bone is also very dangerous, as bones can splinter into sharp pieces that can cause serious injuries. Raw meat, dough, and yeast are also off the doggy menu.

Hazards

As you may have noticed, dogs like to learn about things by, well, eating them. This can be a dangerous habit! Ribbons, tinsel, and small ornaments can all choke Fido, and can cause severe internal injuries if ingested. Ornament hooks are also dangerous. Seasonal plants are another thing for pet parents to be careful with. Many of them, such as poinsettias, holly, ivy, yew, and mistletoe, are toxic to dogs. If you use a real tree, cover the water. It may contain runoff and residue from fertilizer, fire retardant, pesticide, and other chemicals.

Presents

Fido definitely deserves a special gift! Chew sticks, toys, and beds are all excellent options for our canine buddies. If your pooch has thin fur, he may also enjoy a doggy jacket to wear on cold days. If you have an older dog, consider getting him an orthopedic doggy bed, or perhaps some pet ramps or stairs. Of course, treats will also get that tail wagging!

Noise/Commotion

Dogs sometimes get unsettled when there are strangers around, or a lot of commotion. If you are hosting a party, you may want to put your canine buddy in a quiet back room. Make sure he has a comfy bed and some toys and treats to occupy himself with. This may also be a good option for New Year’s Eve, especially for dogs that hate fireworks. Happy Holidays from all of us here at Coit Hedgcoxe Animal Hospital, your Frisco, TX pet clinic. Please contact us for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs.