The holidays are a special time, as we join family and friends to celebrate a joyous season. And as we all know, our canine companions love to celebrate too. Of course we want to include them in all the festivities, but we also need to be aware that the holidays can create special dangers for our pets.

With that in mind, here’s a brief look at some potential hazards to our canine friends, and how you can minimize your dog’s risk.

Christmas Trees

Stability
The best way to make your Christmas tree dog-safe is by securing the tree to a wall or ceiling hook with heavy fishing line. This will help prevent the tree from falling over if your dog jumps on it or bumps into it. If you have a live Christmas tree, keep the base (water stand) covered. When mixed with water, pine sap is poisonous to dogs.

Ornaments
If your dog is tempted to play with ornaments, try decorating the bottom third of the tree with non-breakable or wooden ornaments. If your dog still can’t resist, you might try decorating only the top two-thirds of your tree. And be sure to take special precautions with tinsel. When ingested, tinsel may obstruct and/or cut the intestines. If your dog ingests an ornament or other decoration, don’t panic- and do not induce vomiting. Call your veterinarian for advice on how to handle the situation.

Lights
Indoor holiday lights should hang high enough so that your dog can’t become entangled. Flashing lights will stimulate many dogs, especially visual breeds such as herding dogs, so be sure to hang pulsing lights or ornaments well out of your dog’s reach. Like all electrical cords, Christmas tree lights can be fatal if chewed on, so remember to unplug all seasonal lights when you're not home to supervise your dog. And be sure to keep lit candles out of your dog's reach at all times.

Holiday Treats

Food Gifts
Holiday morsels are nearly irresistible to even the best-behaved dog, so be sure to take special precautions with treats, candies, and wrapped gifts that may contain food items.

Thievery
Additionally, very few dogs can resist our favorite foods. At holiday time, your kitchen counters and trash cans are packed with irresistible “snacks,” so take some additional common sense precautions. When cooling a pie, for example, be sure to set the dish out of your dog’s reach. The same goes for defrosting meat.

Begging
When it’s time to sit down for the big meal, even your dog-loving guests won't appreciate a drooling dog at their side while they try to enjoy a holiday dinner. If your dog can’t resist begging, it’s best to keep him or her out of the dining room during the feast.

Dangerous Treats
And here’s one final word about “treats.” We all know the danger chocolate poses to dogs, but even an ounce of it can be lethal to small dogs. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Alcohol, raisins, and onions can also be fatal to dogs. This holiday season, feed your dog healthy PRO PAC Superpremium Pet Treats instead!

Additional Holiday Dangers

Bones
Bones from turkey and chicken are especially dangerous to dogs, but even steak, veal and pork bones can be hazardous. During the holidays, keep your dog out of the garbage by using a trash can with a locking lid, or by placing the trash can in a closet.

Flowers and Plants
When ingested, mistletoe berries, poinsettias, and other popular holiday flowers and plants can make your pet sick. The ASPCA also lists about 115 other plants that can be harmful to your pet, so you may want to visit their website before the holidays (www.aspca.org).

Hypothermia
A common problem around the holidays, hypothermia often occurs because the house gets crowded with guests, and you let your dog outside and temporarily forget about him or her. Unless your pet is acclimated to winter weather, avoid putting your canine out in the cold for long periods of time during holiday festivities.

Minimizing Holiday Stress

Routines
Let’s face it, with all that strange “stuff” around the house, the holidays can be stressful for your canine. The best way to minimize your dog’s holiday stress is to maintain as many of your normal care and feeding routines as possible.

Feeding
Where feeding is concerned, take special care to keep his or her diet as nutritious as possible. If you’re already feeding PRO PAC Superpremium Dog Foods, we salute you. If not, this is a great way to ensure that your dog is getting the energy and nutrients that he or she needs- all year ‘round!

Affection
And let’s not forget that it’s our attitude during the holidays that determines whether this special season is enjoyable, or stressful, for our canines. In all the hustle and bustle it’s sometimes best to stop for a moment and reflect on what a great source of joy our dogs really are. Then give your dog a hug. It’s a “gift” that’s good for both of you.

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!