HO HO HO - christmas safety

HOHOHOHO We all know this time of year can be a busy one for you and your family so we thought we would share a few important reminders to keep your precious furry family safe.
 
The holiday period is a particularly busy time for everyone and your fur-kids have had routine and rest. Although with kids at home, people visiting your furry family may go a little unnoticed at times. They get extra treats under the table, they get left alone at times, they may even find tinsel a joyous treat to eat or play with.
 
These things might be stressful for your dog.  They may hide or shy away, even run away.  There are some simple things to help your pup through this festive time.
 
1. Stay on schedule.  Keep your walking and eating routine as much as possible.  Keep up the hugs and bed times.
2. Offer your dog a place to go if things get tense.  Put their bed in a quiet room so they can go and have a nap and relax.
3. Meet and greet your dog with others. Try to allow your dog to initiate the meeting and give them time to smell and feel safe.
 
"We all know this time of year brings us so many yummy treats and joy but our furry friends can't always eat what we eat!! 
 
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT FOOD & FESTIVE TIPS TO KEEP THEM SAFE
 
10 CHRISTMAS FOOD OR TREATS THAT ARE TOXIC & TO AVOID ~
 
1) Christmas pudding
2) Chocolate
3) Ham 
4) Cooked Chicken bones or Turkey bones 
5) Nutmeg
6) Onions 
7) Garlic
8) Gravy
9) Nuts
10) Dough and yeast

Photo credit: Hunter in 2020 in the festive spirit trending red tinsel.

 Our pups are inquisitive and so playful so here are some of our tips to keep them safe during the festive season.
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Be mindful of your Christmas tree and those sparkling wonderful ornaments. Your pups can hide under the tree like a den and get all playful with the leads and lights.  Also, ribbon on gifts can cause an obstruction in your pups tummy if they ingest it so keep a close eye on them around the tree and gifts and try to Limit their ability to access of your Christmas tree.  Teach them early that the tree is not a welcome treat.  They will then understand that it is not to be touched by telling them to “leave it” when they go near it.  
 
If your dog loves to beg for food, Christmas time is the time that the bad behaviour can be reinforced by family and or friends treating your dog.  They can get stomach upsets or pancreatitis.  Try to keep the food routine for your dog as much as possible.  If you don’t allow begging at any time, ask your family and friends to keep up the training by not feeding them at the table.
 
Lastly, New years eve fireworks. Be super mindful during new years eve to keep your pets indoors and secure and safe at all times as fireworks can cause your pets anxiety and they may escape or get injured during this time. Place some soft music and or the television on to keep your pets happy and distracted  during the evening.
 
If things are potentially too much: speak to us about our K9 Culture Puppy & Obedience School following the Christmas and new year period.  We can help out with your spoilt puppy's and introduce new and great training.
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Call Mary on 0400 312 187