Top 10 Howliday Safety Tips: Day 10

Shocking But True...

WOW, your Christmas tree, holiday lights and decorations look fantastic! But what you've created as a feast for the eyes may inadvertently be a danger zone for your pets. Here a a couple of bright holiday ideas to "chew on" so that your pets don't... chew on them, that is:

• Be sure to keep electrical cords hidden, out of reach or taped down to save your dog from electrical shocks.
• Plug your lights into a GFI outlet that will interrupt the flow of electricity if the cord becomes wet or chewed… perhaps in the mouth of an unsuspecting pup.

Top 10 Howliday Safety Tips: Day 6

More From Santa's Gift Bag

Still not sure about what to bestow upon your beloved Bow-Wow for the holidays? Here are a few more ideas and guidelines, straight from the Top Dog's mouth (and with Santa's blessings)!

• Avoid toys that contain a noisemaking device if your dog feels it is his right and duty to perform “squeakectomies”. Ditto for stuffed toys which may contain hard-to-digest fillings such as nutshells or polystyrene beads, and tennis balls which are easily “peeled”.
• Remove string, ribbon, rubber bands, tags and labels from all toys before turning them over to your dog. Discard toys that start to break into pieces or have pieces torn off.
• Very hard rubber toys, such as Nylabones, are virtually indestructible, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun for both chewing and carrying around. Kong-type toys are great for fetching and, when filled with broken-up treats or peanut butter, can keep a dog busy for hours.
• "Busy-box" toys also offer long term fun and foster problem solving skills.

Okay, only a few days to go before the holidays are upon us. If you have an idea about what the fur kids will find below the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah bush... or still need some last minute direction... take a moment to check out/respond to the survey in the left column. (Undecided poochy parents will appreciate it!)

Top Ten HOWLiday Safety Tips: Day 1

Ah the sights and smells of the holiday! Is it any wonder we look forward to it all year? To ensure a fun and safe time for all… including your four-legged family members and friends… I'll be posting an important safety tip (or 2) each day for the next 10 days. Please share them with your other pet-loving pals.

TIP #1: The Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Not very… as many pets inadvertently remind us each year, sometimes MORE than once! Be sure to anchor your tree so it can't topple over. Stabilize it by putting heavy bags of flour or sugar on top of the legs of its stand, hiding them with a decorative tree skirt, and positioning the heaviest gifts closest to the trunk.

Regardless of whether you have an artificial or live tree, chewing of branches can result in injuries to your dog’s mouth or throat. Be consistent about disciplining if you catch him chomping. To deter even a teething puppy from opportunistic nibbling, spray the lower branches with a chewing deterrent such as Bitter Apple; always use as directed on the product label to keep it safe for both human and K-9 Kids.