Give Your Poodle A Happy Holiday
While the holiday season is a fun time for friends and family, it can be a hazardous time for your pet poodle. During any holiday, and especially the "end of year" holidays, it is important to take care to insure that your pet is safe.
Tip! Never leave you Poodle in the car unattended during hot weather. It doesn't take long for it to turn into an oven, even if you leave the windows open a little.
Holidays call for special foods and treats, but these foods can be dangerous to your Poodle. While you may want to share Aunt Lulu's famous gravy soaked potatoes or that Swiss chocolate that you got from cousin Betty, you should be aware that not all "people" food is good for your pet and some, like chocolate, can be deadly. When feeding your poodle, it is probably best to stick to his regular food, or buy some holiday treats made especially for dogs.
Another very important thing to remember during the holidays is that your vet may have different hours so make sure you check your vet's holiday hours and emergency contacts and have the information easily accessible.
Take precautions when decorating with plants. Your Poodle may chew on household plants, and many, including mistletoe and some poinsettias, can make your pet very ill. Make sure your holiday greenery is out of your reach.
Tip! If you are going to hike with your Poodle in cold weather, invest in a pair of boots for him. Also, cutting the hair between your dog's toes and applying Vaseline or cooling spray before your hike will keep the ice from sticking.
The Christmas tree is another are that should be carefully set up. If you have a real tree, be sure that your Poodle cannot drink the water or chew the branches. Many modern live trees have been sprayed with chemicals that may be toxic to your little friends.
Depending on how active your dog is, you may want to use only unbreakable decorations at the bottom of your tree, so there is no danger of your dog jumping up or rubbing against them and resulting in broken glass on the floor that he can cut himself on, or worse, digest.
Candles are another hazard around the holidays. Be very very careful if you have lit candles around your Poodle. Expecially if your pet is easily excitable as he may jump up and knock one over! Place glass "hurricane lanterns" or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets and never leave your pet unattended with candles in the room.
New Years Eve is a fun time for all, but your little Poodle might become frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noisy merriment. Some may be severely traumatized by fireworks, be sure to leave them inside if you go out to celebrate. If you are having people over, make sure you put your Poodle in a safe and comfortable place away from the party fun.
Tip! If your Poodle's hair is long, it is more susceptible to overheating. If your dog is overweight, has heart disease, is old, or a young puppy, they can get heatstroke easier as well.
Poodles can be sensitive and yours may get anxious about the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are stressed yourself. Some respond to stress by becoming hyper or hysterical, and some simply retreat. Keep a close eye on your pet during this time to note any changes in behaviour.
Tip! If money is an issue, you can use a professional groomer every second time. You can maintain your poodles grooming yourself in between visits and save money.
Your pet poodle can bring an added element of joy to any holiday - keep him safe so that you can enjoy many holidays to come!
Lee Dobbins writes for many pet related websites including www.poodle-pages.com. Visit the Poodle Pages to get more up to date poodle care information and news.
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