During the Holidays there is an increase in emergency visits to veterinarians and calls to animal poison control hotlines.  But with a few precautions and awareness you can avoid putting your dog at risk.

Dogs have a superior sense of smell, so they know if there is food hiding in that wrapped gift under the tree.  Gifts such as chocolates or sweets containing Xylitol can be deadly to dogs.  So please keep those presents away from where prying noses will find them.  That also includes putting candy bowls up and away from temptation.

While occasional tastes of people food is ok, many special Holiday dishes contain ingredients that can cause dogs to suffer from GI problems, including vomiting and diarrhea.  And neither your dog nor you want to deal with that on Christmas Day!  In addition, please remind your guests not to leave alcoholic drinks unattended.  Alcohol can lead to serious medical issues.

When it comes to decorations, the popular Christmas plant, the Poinsettia, can cause irritation to dogs’ mouths and stomachs.  Pet owners should also inspect Holiday bouquets for lilies, holly or mistletoe, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset due to toxicity.  And be sure to keep lighted candles away from happy tail level!

For more in-depth information on Holiday safety precautions for pets, please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661).  It is important to remember, just like with humans dogs are excited about the Holidays.  But if you keep an eye on them we will all have a safe and happy celebration.