Are you celebrating your first Christmas with a new puppy? Puppies like children can give you a whole new outlook on the wonder and magic of the holidays!
The holidays are a magical time! But also remember to keep curious noses, paws and mouths away from holiday foods, ornaments and decorations, ribbons, tinsel and plants!
In today’s blog, we are going to give you some great holiday tips for keeping your adorable – and curious – puppy safe and protected whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else.
Remember, to your puppy, the world is to be explored, touched, sniffed and tasted to learn more! Let’s take a closer look at how to effectively protect your little K9 and avoid an unwanted visit to the emergency vet hospital!
Holiday Tips: Live Christmas Trees Mean Danger
Keep in mind, your Christmas tree’s water bowl is perfectly at your puppy’s level. What your puppy does not know is that tree water can poison them! Chemical water additives may keep your tree fresh throughout the holiday season, but they can also harm pets especially young puppies and kittens. Tree water can contain pesticides, fertilizers and even aspirin to help preserve the tree.
Pine needles can also cause damage in your puppy’s mouth or obstruct/puncture the stomach if swallowed. Tree needles can also damage sensitive eyes. In addition, pine sap can create gastrointestinal discomfort for a nosy puppy. Fir tree oils may also irritate your pup’s mouth and stomach causing excessive drool or vomit.
Block access to the tree and its water bowl or use a covered tree water dish to protect your puppy and other pets!
Holiday Tips: Foods that are NOT Pet-Friendly!
As much as we love the foods of the holiday season, most are high in fat, salt, sugar and spices and should always be kept away from sad, begging puppy eyes and mouths! Feed your puppy on his usual schedule with his usual food and treats to keep him healthy and safe.
Potpourri, Decorations and Candles, Oh My!
Love your shiny baubles, twinkling lights, sparkly tinsel and aromatic candles and potpourri? Your puppy probably will too! Keep fragile or breakable ornaments, lit candles, menorahs and luminaries, holiday plants (including holly, mistletoe and more) and potpourri – including liquids – out of reach!
Electrical wires and cords are also a great temptation for puppies and other pets. Use these tips to prevent your puppy from chewing on wires by:
- Blocking access to cable and electrical cords.
- Lifting cords off the floor and out of reach by affixing them to walls or furniture with adhesive-back cord clips.
- Wrapping wires/cords with corrugated wire loom tubing, plastic spiral wrap or metallic braided sleeving.
- Winding up excess cords/wires to prevent potential strangulation hazards.
- Applying an anti-chewing spray (like lemon juice or pepper mixed in water) to deter any curiosity and subsequent chewing!
Holiday Tips: Crates & Baby Gates Offer the Ultimate Protection
It takes just a second for puppies, and other pets, to get themselves into trouble! By using crates and strategically placed baby gates, you can keep your pets protected and safe inside your home. With guests coming and going, open doors pose an irresistible temptation, but also put your puppy in harm’s way. So keep your precious puppy confined and safe!
With some careful planning, you can ensure your puppy enjoys
the holidays with you safely!
Also make sure your puppy stays on his regular schedule
of exercise and food for a happy and contented K9.
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
Want more information about any of our puppies or upcoming litters?
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
