News

Festive safety for our four-legged friends

Holiday tips to keep your dog happy and healthy

The Christmas season is a busy time for the entire family, bringing changes to routines and environments. As ever, we must be mindful of our four-legged friends being exposed to risks and dangers.

Here are some tips from our wonderful trainers.

• If you have a real Christmas tree, keep the water stand covered. Pine sap mixed with water makes a poisonous drink for your dog. Sweep up fallen pine needles also as they can be ingested by dogs. Depending on age of dog you may want to restrict access to the room that contains the tree or erect a pen. Put electric lights up at a higher level.

• Be aware that holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous so ensure to keep these well out of the reach and nose of your dog.

• Keep holiday treats and sweets out of your dog’s reach. Chocolate, onions, raisins, and alcohol can make your dog very sick.

• Parties and festivities can lead to a change in routine for a dog, and they may feel overwhelmed with new people coming and going. Plan ahead, preparing a pup’s crate or a quiet area away from noise. Freeze some food in their Kong and ensure they have had a walk (and training session if you’re one of our Puppy Raisers) earlier in the day to tire them out.

• For our Puppy Raisers, be aware that not all social visitors will follow the rules, and training can go out the window! Don’t allow people to encourage behaviour we don’t want, such as jumping, mouthing and begging.

• Be aware that visiting children may not know how to act around a young pup, so ensure full supervision at all times.

Fireworks

Fireworks are becoming more popular during various seasons but can be especially common at Halloween and New Year.

• Keeping your dog in a quiet, inner room, where they can’t hear much of the noise can help. Also, putting a radio or television on in the room can be effective.

• If your dog is scared, it’s best to carry on matter-of-factly, as if nothing is out of the ordinary, as your dog may feed off your anxiety, making the situation worse. Try to redirect them instead of coddling.

• Keep your dog stimulated in the evening by playing with their favourite toys.

• If in doubt, or if the dog has shown a severe reaction in the past, speak to your IGD supervisor or vet about alternative treatments that may be available.

Cold weather

Whether there is a forecasted white Christmas or not we can have bouts of severe frost or snow during the festive period.

• Don't leave your dog alone in a car during cold weather. With the engine off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

• Reduce walks if it is very cold and try to walk at the warmest part of the day.

• If a dog is shivering or their ears feel cold, then bring them in.

• Gritting or salting footpaths can irritate pads and paws. Ensure you wash your dog’s paws after walks. Clear ice between the pads also.

• Be aware that ice and snow can cause slipping for dogs as well as humans.

• Take care around ponds or rivers in cold and icy weather. Water may be running quite fast so don’t allow swimming. Ponds may be iced over, but can crack with weight.

• Be aware of antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic to animals and has a sweet smell and taste. Keep it locked away and secure. If it spills, clean it up immediately. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, bring them to the vet immediately. Keep dogs away from discoloured snow.

• Wear high viz clothing when out walking in dark or inclement weather. 

Being mindful of the above tips can help you have a PAWsome Christmas and New Year.