Good Idea, Bad Idea

Did you ever have a stroke of genius only to discover later that it wasn’t such a good idea after all?  While we all make those bad choices at least once in our lives we should not be so careless when it comes to another living being.  Here are a couple of helpful tips to get you and your dog though this holiday season without an ‘oops’ or a visit to the vet.  
 
 
Good Idea: Hanging the stockings by the chimney with care.
 
Bad Idea: Hanging treats (like candy canes) within reach of the dog.
 
We all know dogs (and cats) can be mischievous, and like toddlers, they like to stick things in their mouths.  Any holiday can be a dangerous time for a pet but Christmas time tends to have more sharp and toxic items for them to get a hold of. 

• Keep all candy canes and sweets out of reach from your pup. 
• Make sure all the electrical cords are tucked away or tapped down to keep your pup from chewing on them and getting shocked (or worse). 
• Don’t let them drink the Christmas tree water as it can contain fertilizer or even bacteria. 
• Keep holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies out of reach as these plants can be toxic to pets. 
• And lastly, try to buy non-toxic decorations because we know that pets can’t resist playing with them.   

 
Good Idea: Enjoying holiday cheer with family and friends.
 
Bad Idea: Over-sharing Holiday Cheer with the dog.

 

We all know how stressful it can be having a ton of house guests over for the holidays.  Imagine how stressful it can be for your dog.  If you plan on having  a lot of company over at your house this holiday, give your dog a quiet and safe retreat somewhere in the house (as far from the commotion as you can) and turn on soothing music (like classical).  Of course, don’t forget to give her potty breaks.  If your dog is out mingling with guests, make sure your guests know the rules you have with your dog:  

• No feeding scraps from the table (even if you do it normally)
• No sharing drinks (alcoholic or not)
• No pulling tails or ears
• Watch for the dog when the door is open
• No jumping on people (that rule is for the dog)  

 
Regardless of where your dog is in your home this holiday season, keep in mind that when dogs are stressed they tend to pant more and therefore require more water.  Be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for her to drink.
 
 
Good Idea: Giving a gift card to your niece for Christmas.
 
Bad Idea: Giving a puppy to your niece for Christmas.
 
Animal shelters and rescue organizations know all too well that about half of all animals at the shelters (and nationwide) are owner surrenders.  The majority of pet owners say they got their pet from a friend or family member.  And while these pets are often acquired with the best of intentions, for one reason or another it doesn’t work out and the animal ends up in the ‘system’.  This is a big reason why organizations like ASPCA urge people not to buy pets as gifts.  
 
Picking out the perfect pet has to be a personal decision.  Believe it or not, every dog (and cat) has a unique personality, so it is best to find a companion that you feel a connection with and fits your lifestyle.  For example, a person who enjoys staying indoors and watching a movie rather than going on a hike would not be a good owner for a husky, as they require a lot of exercise.  Additionally, your friend or family member may say they want a pet but may not actually be ready for one.  In short, when deciding on what gift to give this year, go with the gift card and not a pet.   
 


Good Idea: Giving your dog a belly rub.
 
Bad Idea: Giving a perfect stranger a belly rub.
 
...For obvious reasons. ;-)