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Friday, November 20, 2009 11:25 AM CST
DogSpeak!: Holidays can be a topsy-turvy time for your pet
By Katie Gammill
Holidays are a time for gathering of friends and family for a festive occasion. However, your pet may become confused by the activities.
Twinkling lights and glistening ornaments are puzzling. Removing dog beds and toys may confuse your pet. Sensitive to smells, his world is topsy-turvy.
The tree stands high! As pet owners, we must realize dogs are prone to picking up ornaments. Dogs see few colors and large round ornaments may appear as a tennis ball.
Most ornaments are fragile and crush easily in a dog’s mouth. This causes cut gums and internal injuries.
Dogs love bows. They love tearing paper even more. Their sensitive noses locate chocolate and other edible packages easily. Remember, chocolate can be deadly to a pet.
Tree skirts can be a hazard. Anchor your tree firmly. A pet may get wrapped up in electrical cords and pull the tree over. Some pets are amazed you actually brought a tree into the house for them!
Do not allow your dog to drink water from the tree stand bowl. Do not “let sleeping dogs lie.” Big or small, pets need supervision at all times.
As company enters the house, confine a barking pet. While distracted by greeting people, your pet may slip out of the door unnoticed. Allow your dog to introduce himself to strangers. Do not force the issue if the dog chooses to ignore them.
Pets can be territorial, and strangers intruding on their turf may cause distress. Many pets are not comfortable with battery-operated toys or screaming children. If your pet appears overstimulated or fearful, take him elsewhere. An over-friendly dog can be an issue to non-pet owners as well.
Some dogs drink from toilet stools. Caution visitors to shut the bathroom door. Remind visitors not to feed the dog from the table, as the results may last long after they are gone. Turkey fat and gravy are the worst offenders. Cooked bones are brittle and easily splinter, puncturing the intestines. All leftover food should be above your pet’s reach.
Never give any dog alcoholic beverages! Horseplay among children may trigger an undesirable reaction. Put your older pet in a quiet place away from the crowd, as many older dogs are intolerant of children.
Holiday outfits may be fun for you; however, no self-respecting dog tolerates deer antlers for long and they do not understand laughter. They may interpret your actions and body language differently than you intended. Dogs can be embarrassed.
Do consider including your pet in your family Christmas picture. Winter curbs proper exercise and your pet may have an over-abundance of energy. Long walks and dog parks solve this. Small, short-haired dogs need a coat. Dogs with long coats are more suited for adverse weather.
If your pet goes outside to relieve itself, do not get sidetracked and forget to bring it in. Once cold, your pet will start shivering to warm itself. Wrap your pet in warm towels until the shivering stops and it is comfortable again. Place it in a warm room with familiar items.
Give the toys and dog bed back. When your dog comes inside, wash his feet to remove any lingering salt.
Beware: anti-freeze is deadly. Its sweet smell attracts dogs. Once your pet laps it, the situation is irreversible. Holiday emergency calls to a vet are expensive. Better safe than sorry.
Never assume your pet is welcome in another’s home. Make a courtesy call and ask if it is acceptable if you bring “Fido” along. People who do not own pets nor have children have a low tolerance level of both.
Place a package under the tree for your pet from “Santa Paws” to keep it busy as the family opens your gifts. Keep articles and wrapping paper in a specific area so older visitors don’t trip.
If your child asked for a puppy, do not bring it home on Christmas day. The puppy will be ignored and get in all kinds of mischief. Reputable breeders will not release small puppies during the holidays. They fear the puppy will be put outside to relieve itself and may be forgotten.
Overhandling causes sick puppies. Wrap the puppy’s picture in an attractive box and pick up the new pet at a more convenient time.
Dogs should not attend the dismantling of the tree and decorations. Did you know dogs eat candles? Vacuum well. Return the dog’s bed to its normal place and return its toys. Your pet will thank you.
CADAC encourages everyone to be a responsible pet owner. Offering advice, socialization, obedience and proper puppy selection for your lifestyle, CADAC is listed in the yellow pages.
We wish everyone a “Happy Holiday.” Thank you for the positive comments on our “Dog Speak” column. May your holidays be joyous for all: family, friends and most of all, for your pet.
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Mama says wrote on Nov 19, 2009 10:02 AM:
We have put dog and cat treats on the lowest branch and they look nice. We use eatables to tie the treats on tree.
Holidays each pet has a saucer and we share some of human food but not often.
They look in the oven (leave light on) and smell the turkey, ham, and side dishes baking. The cat and dog are greeters for guests, and so excited don't know whether to tearup the couch or pee on the floor when see visitors.
Our home not be a home without our pets. "