A dog trainer has shared important advice for pet owners this Christmas
The festive season brings enormous joy and happiness , yet for our cherished pets, it can also pose some unexpected dangers.
This worry was recently highlighted by canine trainer Amanda, known as Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, when she issued a vital warning to dog owners.
Concentrating on the Christmas season, she shared some crucial expert advice that pet parents should follow during the holidays. Whilst it’s a magical time of year, with our houses decorated with all sorts of stunning ornaments, some of these seasonal items can actually pose serious threats to our four-legged companions if not handled correctly.
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There are particular points you need to grasp to protect your canine buddy before we fully dive into the Christmas festivities. You may be shocked to discover that decorations throughout your house could spell disaster for your furry mate.
Amanda revealed: “Your Christmas tree is magical, but your dog doesn’t know it’s not a playground. Christmas trees are gorgeous, but they come with a few hidden dog hazards that most owners don’t think about until something goes wrong.
“Puppies especially look at a decorated tree like it’s a brand-new enrichment activity delivered straight from the North Pole. A few simple tweaks make a huge difference.”
“Keep breakable ornaments higher up, block access for the first couple of days so the novelty wears off, avoid chocolate decorations completely and supervise closely until the tree becomes ‘boring’.
“You don’t need to battle or constantly say ‘leave it’. You just need smart management and a little patience. A safe dog is a relaxed dog, and a relaxed dog makes for a much calmer Christmas.”
Essentially, any type of decorative chocolate should be entirely avoided.
Whether you’ve decorated your tree with chocolate ornaments, have an Advent calendar or a large bowl of chocolates for guests to enjoy over the festive season, never leave chocolate within a dog’s reach.
Either remove it or keep it out of their view.
This is because chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs.
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it becomes.
Dogs must never be permitted to consume chocolate and, should they do so, immediate veterinary guidance should be sought.
The danger level depends on the dog’s weight, the type of chocolate eaten and the amount consumed.
Christmas can also present numerous other risks to dogs.
This is because many items that could cause harm are frequently left around the house during the festive period.
What might endanger your dog this Christmas?
Just to make you aware, there could be several items in your home that might present a threat to dogs.
Many festive treats are poisonous to these pets, including products such as chocolate, raisins, onions and alcohol. Decorations that could potentially cause obstructions or injuries, such as tinsel, baubles, lights and salt dough ornaments, can also pose a risk, so it’s essential to keep a vigilant eye.
Furthermore, several Christmas plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy are poisonous to dogs.
Additionally, some pets may feel anxious due to an increase in visitors or alterations in their routine. It’s crucial to be aware of these factors to prevent any mishaps.
Naturally, if you have any worries about your dog during the festive season, don’t hesitate to consult a vet for further guidance. If your dog shows symptoms of illness, seeking professional assistance is absolutely critical.
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