Holiday Pet Guide; What's Naughty or Nice?

Happy Holidays!

Holiday decorations are beautiful. They can also present a danger to our pets. Now is the time for pet parents to make a list and check it twice to learn what's healthy and not so nice.

Unhealthy

Holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be dangerous to your pets if ingested. The toxins may differ from each plant, yet your pet's symptoms are the same. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet is drooling, vomiting, or having diarrhea.

Holiday decorations like tinsel on the tree or ribbons you wrap presents with are tempting for some pets to play with or ingest. What makes these decorations dangerous is that they can get twisted in your pet's stomach or intestines. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you may notice your pet lacking an appetite and energy.

Holiday food/beverages, like ham, candy, or eggnog, are not for your dog. Alcohol, raw eggs, fatty ingredients, and spices are equally dangerous for your pet's health. Be mindful of sugar-free mints, baked goods, or anything containing the natural sweetener xylitol.

Rawhide chews look harmless and fun when humans see the many shapes they come in. The holiday season brings candy cane-shaped rawhide, for example. The truth is, not all rawhides are the same, from ingredients used to make them to digestibility. Rawhide may swell up to 4x its size in your pet's stomach, causing pain, potential surgery, or death.

Healthy

1. No-hide chews are a healthy alternative to rawhide. They are safe, long-lasting, nutritious, and easy to digest. Gibbs loves his salmon, turkey, or peanut butter selections. I give him a no-hide chew once or twice a week.

2. A new dog bed. Think about how your pet's needs may have changed in the past year. Gibbs will likely get an orthopedic bed this year as he is now seven years old. Smaller dogs may love the donut beds for snuggling. These beds are so comfy yet not meant for an older dog. Matt beds are great to line a dog crate or for a "place" to have treats and chews without getting that on your flooring! Gibbs has a matt bed specifically for that purpose. Finally, you may check out an elevated bed. I had one of these on my deck outside, and it helped with air circulation during the warm days of summer. Perfect if you like your pet to be with you, not on your outdoor furniture.

3. Winter dog gear. Do you live in a cold climate? Your pet may benefit from a vest or winter booties to protect their paws.

4. Reflective gear. Dog collars, leashes, and harnesses will help to keep your pet safe when walking either early morning or at night. Gibbs has an LED leash and collar. I have to charge it more to keep it bright during the fall and winter as daylight diminishes.

5. Travel bag. You don't think about it until you need it. Gibbs has a travel bag ready for road trips or any weather-related emergency requiring us to evacuate quickly.

6. Professional photo session. Bring out your pet's personality for the howl-idays with memorable professional photos. Brainstorm with the photographer what your pet loves to do, wear, and play with or if you are open to exploring. The photo credit for Gibbs's wreath picture is Hello Hound.

Now that you've got an idea of what's naughty and nice for your pets' health and happiness, you won't have to think twice! Season Treatings!

Why Thanksgiving Dinner Isn't A Winner For Your Pet

The smell of turkey, side dishes, and dessert makes you want to gobble it all up. You aren't the only one whose sense of smell is on overdrive. Our Thanksgiving dinner seems harmless to our pets, given the feast features turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin. The truth is, this Holiday dinner is not a winner for your pet. Today, we'll share tips to keep your pet healthy and happy during your Thanksgiving celebration.

Know what foods are healthy and unhealthy. It can be confusing as most of what we eat is initially healthy, like turkey, sweet potato, and pumpkin. That is before we "add" onions, spices, raisins, etc. So, what is a good guideline IF you feed your dog people food at Thanksgiving dinner?

Think of it in two lanes. Healthy and unhealthy.

HEALTHY:

The lane you want your dog in is the PLAIN lane.

Give plain turkey without bones & skin, simple sweet potato, or plain baked potato.

UNHEALTHY

Anytime you add extra butter, milk, spices, or onions, the only lane you'll be driving in is the one to your veterinarian.

When making Thanksgiving dinner, the phrase " you can have too many cooks in the kitchen" includes your pet. It is healthier for them to be clear of the kitchen when preparing and plating your dishes. During clean up, be careful of plastic wrap, mesh, or twine, anything that has touched food that may smell tempting for your pet to grab out of the trash. It only takes 1 second for them to grab and dash.

INFORM YOUR GUESTS

It's a holiday, and everyone likes giving. If you don't want your pet eating treats, help your guests know your house rules regarding feeding your pet leftovers from dinner. Set a healthy boundary and explain that added ingredients in our food can cause pancreatitis and digestive problems for your pet. Zero people food will be safer for your pet, and you can enjoy the day without worry.

Here are a few safe and healthy options for your pet to be thankful for; dehydrated sweet potatoes, no-hide turkey chew, or a thanksgiving themed toy.

Finally, contact your vet to see what their Holiday hours are. Some may be closed. Get a backup plan for where to take your pet now so you will not be stressed if something happens.

With much to be thankful for, maybe take a walk with your pet before or after dinner ... that is the ulitmate winner.

Dog Flu Tips | How To Protect Your Pup

Dogs can get the flu just like people. Dog influenza has been on the rise in several states in the USA. And with the Holidays swiftly approaching, some may be traveling with our pets, and others may be boarding them.

Now is the time to get the information and tips to protect your pet no matter your Holiday plans!

1. What are the signs/symptoms of dog influenza?

Coughing, runny nose, eye goop, fatigue, fever, lack of appetite

2. How is the virus transmitted to your dog?

It is contracted via direct contact, the respiratory tract, and sneezing from primarily other dogs. Also, contaminated objects from infected dogs like floors at kennels, doggie daycare, grooming, pet centers, dog park turf or mulch, community dog water bowls, and shared dog toys.

Additional objects may include human clothing, dog leash, collar, and bedding.

3. How to protect your pet

There is no cure for dog influenza. Get your pet vaccinated and keep your pet vaccinated. Download the vaccination record on your phone and share it with the hotel if traveling, doggie daycare, groomer, or place you may be boarding your pet.

Clean your dog's water and food bowl frequently with soap and hot water.

Invest in a dog water bottle and take it out with your pet when exercising, eating at a dog-friendly restaurant, or traveling. Ask what the protocol is for disinfecting if dropping your dog off at boarding, daycare, groomers, or dog parks with turf.

Some veterinarians may send you an email to share if dog influenza cases are a risk in your area. One resource to check out if traveling with your dog is dogflu.com. This site will give you an outbreak map and other information regarding keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Humans can pass this virus onto their pets if they have come in contact with an infected one. Pet parents must make sure they wash their hands and clothing too! I know I pet most dogs I see when walking Gibbs. Did you know this virus can live on human skin for 12 hours? It can live on our clothing for 24 hours and objects for 48 hours!

Knowledge is power. It may take a little preparation before the Holiday season, yet, you have everything you need to do to keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy.