It's almost that time of year again where people like to dress up in costumes & go trick-or-treating. Some pet parents like to also include their dog in the occasion & dress them up. However, there are five safety precautions to look out for to keep your beloved fur baby safe this holiday season.
During the holidays, many people like to add some decorations to hype up the festive mood. However, as many dog owners know, anything new can also catch your dog's attention. Make sure that these decorations are out of your dog's reach. Although most decorations may not be toxic, they could cause other complications for your dog such as choking. Decorations that look like food objects, such as corn, are also often covered in preservatives that may be toxic if your dog tries to chew on it. On the other hand, decorations that are edible, such as pumpkins, won't kill your dog, but having them nibble on too much raw pumpkin can cause some serious digestive issues for your dog. Therefore, try to keep the pumpkin out of your dog's reach.
For the holiday, many people may add some extra lighting around the house. Try to make sure that all the electrical cords are out of the way, not just for your own safety, but also so that your dog doesn't trip or get tangled in them. If you're swapping over to candles to add a different glow & aroma to your house, make sure that they are also out of your dog's reach. If your dog accidentally knocks over a burning candle, not only can it be a dangerous fire hazard, but the hot wax can cause some serious burns.
Even if you aren't going about this Halloween trick-or-treating, there may be others who will come knocking on your door. If your dog is an indoor pet, make sure your dog doesn't slip out as you open the door to give treats. Most dogs will get super excited when there are guests around, especially if they're wearing some crazy costume. Be sure to train your dog ahead of time, or try to keep your dog secured in another closed room during the occasion. Otherwise, make sure to have another family member keep an eye on your dog. Always make sure that your dog has their identification tag on just in case he runs out and goes missing.
With all the candy going around, your dog is gonna want a bite of what everyone is eating. However, if you don't want to end up with a sick dog and an emergency trip to the vet, make sure to keep all the candy out of your dog's reach. If your dog is usually outside, make sure that he is trained or leashed up so that not only the trick-or-treaters won't be able to feed him some candy, but also so he doesn't surprise or spook (or even attack) the trick-or-treater by accident. We hate to imagine that anyone would want to hurt our dog or our children, but it's still not worth any risk. Just as you would be careful with letting your child accept treats from a stranger, be cautious about accepting dog treats from strangers. You can kindly accept the treat, but you don't have to give it to your dog right away. Then take it home and toss it out.
If you are planning on dressing up your dog this holiday, make sure that the costume fits comfortably. Take note of weather conditions too as you don't want your dog to overheat in the outfit. In addition, you wouldn't want the outfit to fit too tightly on your dog that it becomes a choking hazard. At the same time, you wouldn't want the outfit to fit too loosely that it could potentially trip your dog. If your dog's costume includes head wear, make sure that it doesn't obstruct your dog's vision. If your dog is unhappy or scared of the outfit, don't force your dog to keep it on - take the costume off immediately.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
