Dog trainer Amanda has told pet owners to remove a simple Christmas decoration from their homes. It’s crucial advice to follow in December to keep them as safe as possible
The festive season brings with it lots of joy and merriment but, for pets, it can also offer some unexpected dangers. This was recently highlighted by dog trainer Amanda, known as Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, as she recently issued a super important warning to dog owners.
Turning her attention to Christmas, she shared some vital expert advice that people need to be aware of during the festive season. While it’s a magical time of year, when our houses are decorated with all sorts gorgeous things, some of these items can actually pose pretty big dangers to our pets if not stored correctly.
There are some things you need to know to protect your dog before we really get into the festive mood. Little you may realise, even something found on your Christmas dinner can cause your pooch a problem.
Amanda said: “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.”
In other words, any kind of decorative chocolate needs to be avoided completely. Whether you have chocolate decorations on your tree, an Advent calendar or a big bowl of chocolates lying around for people to enjoy over the festive season, chocolate should never be left where dogs can access it.
This is because chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is.
Dogs should never consume chocolate and, if they do, you need to seek the advice of a vet urgently. The risk it poses will depend on the dog’s weight, the type of chocolate consumed and the amount they have eaten.
Christmas can also pose a number of other threats to dogs. This is because so many items are placed around the home that can cause them harm.
What could harm your dog this Christmas?
Just so you’re aware, there may be a number of things around your home that could be dangerous to dogs. Many festive foods are toxic to the pets, including items like chocolate, raisins, onions, alcohol and rich meats.
Decorations that cause blockages or cuts, such as tinsel, baubles, lights and salt dough ornaments, can also cause damage so you need to be vigilant. Meanwhile, there are many poisonous festive plants like holly, mistletoe and ivy, which can cause harm to dogs.
Not to mention, some pets could experience potential stress from visitors or changes in routine. You need to be aware of all these things to try and prevent emergencies.
Naturally, if you’re worried about your dog at all over the festive season, contact a vet for further advice. Professional guidance is deemed essential if your dog shows signs of being unwell.
