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Holiday Tips for You and Your Pet
Protect your dog from sweet treats like chocolate that aren't kind to canines.
With the holidays around the corner, most of us will have chocolate treats around. The possessor of a highly refined nose, a bottomless stomach, and a well-practiced talent for ferreting out contraband delights, your dog is a chocoholic time bomb waiting to go off, especially when it is in abundance at holidays. But since he positively aches to be part of everything you do, how can you lock him safely out of harm's way? How can you turn him down when he begs for just that little piece of chocolate?
The good news is that you don't have to. Distraction works as well for dogs as it does for children, and by taking some preventive measures, you can head problems off before they make you both unhappy.
Choc-a-holics Anonymous
Your first step to happier holidays is to assume that a bowl of candy
will not remain safely out of reach. Dogs are infamous for their love
of sweets, and the word "dogged" doesn't do justice to the persistence
of a dog in quest of food.
Chocolate, containing theobromine, is the most dangerous culprit, and can be deadly. A toxic dose for a 15- to 20-pound dog is between 8 and 12 squares of milk chocolate, or 1-1/2 ounces of baking chocolate. As a rule, remember that the darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is - and the smaller the lethal dose.
Take these protective measures to avoid poisoning your pooch:
- Dog proof your candy bowl. Use a sealable container rather than an open bowl, and keep it behind a closed door or under supervision.
- Prepare or purchase special dog treats so that your dog can share in the fun. Stock up on pseudo-chocolate treats made with carob, biscuits, meat strips, or anything else that your dog (and his friends) may particularly enjoy. Just remember not to let him overindulge!
- Talk to the children, adults, and guests in your household and explain how dangerous treats are to your pet. If your children are too young to be responsible, take over their candy supply from Halloween or other holidays and put it somewhere safe.
- Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor. These are a choking hazard, because your dog may try to eat them for the lingering taste of the treat.
Watch for the following symptoms of chocolate poisoning:
- Excessive drooling
- Excessive urination
- Pupil dilation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Muscle tremors
and seizures
- Coma
If you catch your dog mid-raid, induce vomiting immediately. If he displays some symptoms but you haven't seen him eat any chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately: this is a life-threatening situation.
Unfortunately, chocolate isn't the only Holiday hazard. Decorations, a constant flow of holiday guests can make even the most easygoing dog a little nervous. And a nervous dog is more likely to react in a dangerous way.
If your dog has a history of aggression, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before the first guests are due. Crate him if he feels more comfortable - this will also reduce chances of accidental escapes - and put in some toys, his favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever usually comforts him. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds. If he is very high-strung, the most humane thing to do may be to tranquilize him for the night. Always consult your vet before attempting to tranquilize your pet.
Keep in mind your dog's curious nature and tendency to chew and explore; many Holiday decorations are toxic, while others are potential choking or strangulation hazards.
Keep your pet indoors. Outside, he's vulnerable to any stray fireworks or malicious pranks that may fall his way. Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block your pet's access in case someone inadvertently opens the door to the room where your pet is confined.
Also, in case the unthinkable happens and your dog does escape, ensure that he has an ID tag with your name and address on his collar.
Wishing you and your
pets happy & safe holidays! 
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