2SafetyChristmasTips2020
BENTLEY XMAS 2020

Christmas is again upon us, and for those of us with elderly pets, here are a number of safety and care tips to help us have a happy holiday season.

Many of us see food as love, and we show our love by feeding festive foods to our loved ones.

However, giving these foods to our pets can actually cause serious illness and even death. Including your beloved in the rich turkey dinner feast can cause a nasty digestive upset and possible pancreatitis.     

Some foods such as grapes, raisins, currants, chocolate, alcohol and the sweetener xylitol can actually be toxic.

Onions, garlic, cocoa, fattening foods, and many nuts (except a peanut or two and peanut butter), can cause irreparable internal damage. Bones, especially turkey bones, and rawhide chews are also definite no-no’s.

Due to its high salt or sugar contents, ham is another food which is not recommended for dogs.

Did you know that if a dog eats bread dough, it can continue to rise in the dog’s warm, moist stomach and cause internal blockage requiring emergency surgery?

Food on low tables is a clear invitation, but with some forethought and supervision, we can avoid emergencies.

Finally, visitors should never feed a dog without your express permission.

Christmas trees should also be viewed with safety in mind.

Strings of lights hung too low can entangle tree surfing pets.

Food items as decorations can entice eating directly off the tree and maybe even bring said tree down. Avoid decorating with real candy canes, popcorn, gingerbread or any other sniff-able delights.

Trees needles can get stuck in and injure paws and can even be ingested.

Make sure the tree is well supported so that it cannot be knocked down by furry family members.

Decorative plants including poinsettias, mistletoe berries and holly can cause an upset stomach if eaten.

During household gatherings, doors will be opening and closing a lot. Dogs should be kept safely away to keep them from accidently getting outside.

Keeping dogs in a separate room, behind a gate, or with an owner on leash, are three ways to avoid losing a pet.

It’s so important to realize that many older humans, dogs, and other pet species, do not appreciate change to their comfortable routines. In fact, many find all the activity completely overwhelming.

Keep home routines, like meals, walks, and quiet time, as regular as possible.

Have a private retreat for dogs when they have had enough of the festivities. It must be off-limits to any and all admirers, especially excited children. Children should not be encouraged to approach the dog. Let the dog come to them. Our job as adults is to supervise and teach boundaries. The last thing we want is a child being nipped by a dog who has had enough, and this is their way of saying “enough, go away”.

If leaving a door open so the dog can come and go at will, instruct guests to not enter the room. It is the dog’s sanctuary.

When leaving elder dogs at home, remember that extended times alone means longer waits for old bladders and bowels. You might want to leave earlier, or be prepared for an accident with no scolding when you get home.

Make sure that there is a bathroom break just before leaving. Close all doors to rooms other than the one that you are prepared to clean up in when getting home.

Thank you to ElderDog volunteers Joyce, Cheryl and Tanya for helping me put these tips together for the safety and care of our beloved elder dog family members.

Here are two websites with helpful information.

https://vcacanada.com/

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

1-855-764-7661

(Diana O’Connell is an ElderDog Canada volunteer. Contact her at dianaoconnell[at]hotmail.com)