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Christmas safety tips

The Christmas holidays are a time that many families look forward to – the decorations, festive food, and lots of fun.  However your favourite Christmas treats and decorations can also be very appealing to your dog, and extremely harmful!  Please bear in mind the following safety tips this Christmas so the whole family, including your dog can really enjoy the festive season.

• If the weather is particularly cold or wet, ensure that any older dogs or those with thin fur wear coats outdoors. (All dogs must have a warm, dry place to live during the winter months)
  
• If you have an open fire, always use a fire guard, and be aware of hot radiators
  
• All of the following seasonal items are dangerous to your dog if eaten; chocolate (opens new browser window), grapes, and raisins.  Turkey bones may become lodged in the dog’s throat or may perforate the intestinal tract, and onions can cause anaemia so don’t feed to your dog in any form. Always keep an eye on your dog and seek veterinary attention if necessary
  
• Giving your dog left-overs that he’s not used to can upset his stomach, and never give your dog alcohol to drink
  
• Car anti-freeze  (opens new browser window)is sweet tasting and irresistible, but fatal to dogs (and cats). Mop up any spills as even a small amount could kill
  
• Make sure the front door is not left open by visitors as your dog may escape and get lost or run over!
  
• If your dog is wary around people and you have strangers visiting the house, keep an eye on him and provide him with a quiet place to escape to if he wishes. Scared dogs may bite if provoked – intentionally or not.  Do ensure new faces including children know how to approach and act around your dog
  
• Make sure your dog has his usual routine, or he may become unsettled and stressed. Feed and walk your dog at the usual times. Set aside plenty of time for attention and play. Don’t forget him in all the excitement
  
• Try to keep the dog out of the kitchen when cooking. He could get under your feet and trip you when you’re carrying a hot pan.  Be careful of ceramic/halogen hobs
  
• Poinsettias and Amaryllis are popular at Christmas, but their red glow isn’t just appealing to humans, many dogs will find these plants irresistible too.  It’s therefore important that these plants are kept out of a dogs reach, as they are poisonous and can cause mouth or stomach irritation from just eating a small part of the plant.  Mistletoe can also be dangerous, the berries, in particular, can be even more toxic than poinsettias.  Click here (opens new browser window) for information on other potentially harmful plants
  
• Supervise play with any new toys (dogs or the children’s), in case parts break and are swallowed.  Only buy toys that are specifically designed for a pet's use
  
• Don’t leave anything sharp lying around – dogs have been known to swallow needles and knives!
  
• Make sure everyone in the family knows about pet First Aid (opens new browser window), such as where the First Aid Kit is kept, and how to contact the vet
  
• If you are going away at Christmas, check you can take your dog, or arrange for alternative care  (opens new browser window)with a friend/family member/boarding kennel/pet sitter to take care of him whilst you are away

Dogs Trust wishes you a healthy, fun and joyful Christmas this year!