Raising a Well Mannered Mutt
By Sallie Palmer
Holiday Hazards
Tis the season to put jingling bell collars, puffy reindeer head dresses complete with antlers or worse yet, dress our Pugs to look like elves. Even when we see that mortified look on our dog’s face that says “Why are you doing this to me”? We just coo and say “Isn’t he cute”? It has been my experience that dogs do not appreciate to be dressed up for the holidays. I know there are some exceptions but as a general rule I’d avoid it.
I do want to bring attention to some holiday hazards that we might not be aware of. So here I go:
#1. Male dogs and the indoor Christmas tree. Some of you know where I’m going with this. You need to consider where your beautiful tree was before you brought it home. What wildlife smells might possibly be on those limbs? Your dog may decide that he needs to MARK his territory in your living room against the sent of a raccoon, coyote, another dog that might have brushed up against your tree before it was your tree. You want to water your tree but not in this way.
I usually hear at least one story a year where this has occurred. There is even a cartoon with a dog talking to another dog that says “Hi. My name is GET AWAY FROM THE TREE.” I was mortified at a family birthday party once when my highly trained police dog lifted his leg on a pile of my nieces nicely wrapped presents. I still haven’t lived that one down.
Another thought to keep in mind is the dangers of what we put on or around the tree. Ribbons, tinsel, hooks, flocking, ornaments, angel hair, electric lights and especially bubbling lights are all hazardous to your dog. Also don’t let your dog drink the tree water that is stagnate or has a preservative added to it. Other holiday items to be concerned about are Styrofoam and fireplace fire salts. Because you don’t know what your dog may see as just too tempting to ignore, I suggest getting a smaller tree that can be placed up high on a table and keeping other items up high. This will hopefully keep Santa’s helper out of reach.
#2. Holiday plants. Beware of mistletoe, poinsettias, cyclamens, lilies, Christmas rose, Holly and other plant materials that may be toxic to your dog. I have seen young pups munch on the leaves of these plants. Again, place them up high. There is an emergency Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680. There is a cost for a consultation but if you are concerned and can’t reach a vet I wouldn’t hesitate to call. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
#3. Holiday food. It’s fairly common knowledge that Chocolate is dangerous for dogs. I also want to make people aware of not giving your dog holiday leftovers that may cause digestive stress that can lead to a variety of problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and more severe problems. I have a friend that had a holiday party where puff pastries were served. Her dog found the tray and ate them all. This triggered a Pancreatitis episode.
Another family story is when my sister was hosting a catered party and trying to impress some business people, the caterer placed a beautiful platter of hor d’oevres on a coffee table and her Rhodesian Ridgeback ate them all in front of the guests. The Rhodie was escorted from the premises and never invited to anymore parties.
#4. Giving Pets as Gifts. Unless the recipient is part of the process and absolutely without a doubt wants a pet 100% then alright otherwise DON’T DO IT. For years I volunteered at animal shelters. I can not tell you how many animals are surrendered in January. People who received pets as a present either weren’t prepared, didn’t really want one or couldn’t have one where they lived. It is just a bad idea. If you think someone might want a pet then give them a pet carrier with a stuffed toy inside and ask them if they honestly want one and have them be part of the process of getting one.
The last subject I want to bring up is, this is the season of giving and if you can remember the numerous animal rescue agencies that continuously rely the kindness of strangers for donations to help animals in need. So instead of buying the elf outfit for Elmo, give to a rescue group.
Sallie Palmer is the proprietor of Well Mannered Mutts. She teaches Dog Training classes in The Ukiah and Willits area. For more information about the services she offers go to www.wellmanneredmutts.net or call 707-463-DOGS.
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