Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy, and Safe During The Holidays

Emotions are high, and it can be stressful during this time of year for all of us. Your dog can pick up on all this excitement too. There are ways to keep her, and you, happy and safe.

Tips to reduce anxiety

• Remember to feed your dog at the same time each day – routines are important. (Hopefully, she’s getting all the good stuff by eating human grade dog food from your friends at Lucky Dog Cuisine! If not, consider purchasing our Introductory Subscription as a thoughtful gift for your furry friend. Subscribe now and save 60% off your first box!)
• Get out for a good walk. It helps clear your mind and his too.
• Spend a few minutes of quiet time, cuddling. It produces oxytocin in your brain which counters the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone, and leaves you feeling tranquil and relaxed. Dogs love to watch your face and see you smile.
• Talk to your dog! It helps you stay in the moment and dogs love it!

Tips to stay safe

• Christmas trees and decorations are tempting chew toys. Never put food on the tree (especially not our fresh homemade dog food!) No cookie ornaments, popcorn or chocolates, either. That’s asking for trouble.
• Candles and fireplaces. It seems like common sense to keep candles out of reach, but a wagging tail can easily push over a tabletop candle.
• Wrapping paper, strings, ribbons, plastic shiny decorations – keep them off the floor to prevent accidental intestinal blockages
• Holly, mistletoe, potpourri and poinsettias can cause vomiting if ingested.

Practice before Christmas, the very important command of ‘off’. It will be the best thing you can do to ensure your dog is safe all through the year. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to be around. No ‘counter surfing’, no taking food off the coffee table or your guests’ plates. It will save you and your dog stress and possible illness. No one wants an emergency trip to the veterinarian!

Foods to avoid

• Chocolate. It contains theobromine, similar to caffeine, which can lead to convulsions and muscle tremors. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine. Never put chocolate under the tree!
• Mince pies. These often are made up of dried fruits like currants and raisins. These along with fresh grapes cause kidney damage.
• Alcohol. Eggnog with any alcohol smells like Christmas but even though our dogs are family, they should never imbibe.
• Macadamia nuts are a favorite Christmas snack for you but not for your dog.
• Xylitol, the artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum.

Please remember that, although feeding those leftovers is enticing, giving your dog lots of new foods in a short time can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Instead, give your dog the best gift of all: a fresh dog food subscription to Lucky Dog Cuisine!

There are so many new sights and smells around this time of year. The house is alive with the buzz of anticipation of arriving family and friends. It’s sometimes easy to forget about the effects on our sensitive canine best friends.

Everyone here at Lucky Dog Cuisine wishes you and yours a very happy holiday! Thank you to all of our amazing clients. It has been a wonderful 10th anniversary year!