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The holidays are a time of joy, love, and light. It’s also the time of year when we dust off the decorations and string up twinkling lights and tinsel in celebration. But, if you’re celebrating with a dog, there are some holiday hazards to keep in mind before you pull those boxes down from the attic or invite the family over for that holiday party!
We can’t think of a worse way to spend the holidays than at the emergency room with your pup!
If a trip to the Emergency Vet isn’t on your dog’s Christmas list, then be aware of these Doggy Christmas Dangers, brought to you by our furriends at Pet Gift Box:
Live Christmas Trees
What would Christmas be without a tree? But be careful – they are full of potential hazards for dogs! Many live trees have been sprayed with harmful chemicals and pesticides, and the stagnant water in a tree stand is a breeding ground for bacteria. So keep it covered.
Be sure to secure that tree, too, so it doesn’t topple over on your curious canines!
Artificial Christmas Trees
Before you ditch your live tree for a fake one, consider where it was made. Many are manufactured in China and may contain lead or materials that could pose a danger to destructive pets.
Lights
Check your lights carefully for bite marks and loose wiring and use a grounded extension cord to plug them in. Electrical shock can cause burns, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Tinsel and Ribbons
All that sparkling tinsel and curly ribbon looks inviting to a curious pup, but is an invitation to disaster. When ingested, it can cause a serious, life-threatening intestinal blockage. Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance and lethargy. If you see ribbon exiting your dog – do not pull it out. That can cause more damage. Call your vet immediately!
Holly and Mistletoe
Poinsettias are widely known to be mildly toxic to pets, but popular yuletide floral decorations, like holly and mistletoe are even more toxic! When ingested, they can cause severe stomach upset. Look for signs like drooling, lip smacking, and head shaking.
Holiday Visitors
If you have visitors in your home for the holidays, be sure they are all warned to watch the doors! Keep identification on your dogs at all times when guests are in your home, in the event one of them should get out. Provide a special retreat for your dog, in case he wants to escape the noise and stress of the party.
Pet Gift Box wants to wish you and your pets a Merry – and safe – Christmas. Keep your dogs entertained with safe toys and healthy snacks, like those you’ll receive in your monthly Pet Gift Box subscription!
Pet Gift Box is a super PAWsome subscription box specially designed with your cats and dogs in mind. Each month, their team of Pet Experts (including their pets), paw-pick treats, toys and other fun goodies. These are then curated to a surprise themed box we know your pets will RUV! Filled with only the best quality products, you and your pets will be begging for more.
Not only do they want the best for your pets, they want what’s best for every pet. So, with every box you get, Pet Gift Box helps support a rescue pet! This means with each Pet Gift Box purchased, they give a portion back to shelters and rescues.
Use code dogington50 for 50% off your first box with any subscription at petgiftbox.com/dogington50.
