christmas and the cold weather

At the coldest times of year, there are many precautions that can be taken to keep dogs safe and well despite heavy rain, snow and ice.

•Let your dog’s winter coat grow, and if you have a puppy, short-haired or old dog it is a good idea to buy him a sensible coat to keep out the chill.
•After walking your dog or if he has been out in the rain, make sure he is completely dried so that he does not catch a cold.
•Keep your dog on a lead if it is snowing very heavily. Snow can be disorienting and can affect a dog’s sense of smell so he could become lost easily.
•Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag in case he does get lost.
•Grit used to melt snow can cut their paws and make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach when you come indoors after a snowy walk. Washing and wiping your dog’s feet after walks will also prevent stray lumps of ice getting painfully trapped in their paws.
•Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs! Keep it well out of their reach.
•Never leave your dog in a car during extreme weather, hot or cold.
•Do not let your dog walk on frozen ponds – the ice may not be thick enough to take his weight.
•If your dog does fall through the ice never be tempted to go after them but encourage them to swim back to you.

Christmas Safety

The Christmas holidays are a time many families look forward to – the decorations, festive food, and lots of fun. However your favourite Christmas treats and decorations can also be very appealing to your dog, and extremely harmful! Please bear in mind the following safety tips this Christmas so the whole family, including your dog, can really enjoy the festive season.

•If the weather is particularly cold or wet, ensure any older dogs or those with thin fur wear coats outdoors. (All dogs must have a warm, dry place to live during the winter months).
•If you have an open fire, always use a fire guard, and be aware of hot radiators.
•All of the following seasonal items are dangerous to your dog if eaten: chocolate, grapes and raisins. Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugar-free sweets, has also been found to be dangerous. Cooked turkey bones might become lodged in the dog’s throat or perforate the intestinal tract, and onions can cause anaemia so don’t feed them to your dog in any form. Always keep an eye on your dog and seek veterinary attention if necessary. Please read poisonous plants and substances for information on other potential hazards.
•Giving your dog left-overs that he’s not used to can upset his stomach, and never give your dog alcohol to drink.
•Car anti-freeze is sweet tasting and irresistible, but fatal to dogs (and cats). Mop up any spills as even a small amount could kill.
•Make sure the front door is not left open by visitors as your dog may escape and get lost or run over!
•If your dog is wary around people and you have strangers visiting the house, keep an eye on him and provide him with a quiet place to escape to if he wishes. Scared dogs may bite if provoked, intentionally or not. Do ensure new faces including children know how to approach and behave around your dog.Make sure your dog has his usual routine, or he may become unsettled and stressed. Feed and walk your dog at the usual times. Set aside plenty of time for attention and play. Don’t forget him in all the excitement!
•Try to keep the dog out of the kitchen when cooking. He could get under your feet and trip you when you’re carrying a hot pan. Be careful of ceramic/halogen hobs.
•Poinsettias and Amaryllis are popular at Christmas, but their red glow isn’t just appealing to humans; many dogs will find these plants irresistible too. It’s therefore important these plants are kept out of reach, as they are poisonous and can cause mouth or stomach irritation from just eating a small part of the plant. Mistletoe can also be dangerous; the berries, in particular, can be even more toxic than poinsettias. Please read poisonous plants and substances for information on other potentially harmful plants.
•Supervise play with any new toys (dogs’ or the children’s), in case parts break and are swallowed. Only buy toys that are specifically designed for a pet’s use.
•Don’t leave anything sharp lying around – dogs have been known to swallow needles and knives!
•Make sure everyone in the family knows about pet first aid, such as where the First Aid Kit is kept, and how to contact the vet.
•If you are going away at Christmas, check you can take your dog, or arrange for alternative care with a friend/family member/boarding kennel/pet sitter to take care of him whilst you are away.