Canine Care Christmas Countdown - Day 57

It is 57 days before Christmas joyously explodes all over the living room floor with paper and bows, little toys and big toys, flutes and guitars, and lots of cookies, candies and treats. Time allows us to consider all of this fun through the eyes of our family dog and take some action to help provide a great holiday season for your best friend.

A few things you want to watch out for that are harmful to dogs include:

• Small toys if swallowed can perforate internal organs and may cause blockages
• Tinsel or any long ribbons that may be eaten will damage your dogs insides
• Chicken or turkey bones that are eaten may create slivers in your dog's throat
• Gifts of tasty animal bones can crack a dog's tooth
• Alcohol like wine, beer or spirits can kill a dog, even in small amounts
• Macadamia Nuts can kill a dog, even in small amounts
• Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine products can cause pain and may kill your friend
• Salty Snack Food can cause serious stomach upset

Set up plastic baskets to help children and adults put their toys in after opening. If they want to take one out to play with them, do so away from the dog, where there is no chance of him gobbling up the little solider's laser gun. Get down to the eye level of your dog and determine where your snack dishes will be set out. Is there easy access to the bowls? If yes, move them up higher or set up a snack bar on the table for people to fill up a small plate with their favorites. Let your guests know before they arrive that the dog is not to be fed from the table, or from their plates. I like to say my dogs are allergic to certain food ingredients to ensure my heedings are taken seriously. Also plan for large garbage bags before present unwrapping occurs so that strings and ribbons can immediately be placed securely away to avoid Fido gobbling up something that will take surgery to remove. 

Check in tomorrow for another tip, and wishing all you and yours the happiest of holidays!

See Day 58 Tips on Getting in Great Shape