Holiday Safety Tips For Pets

Holiday Hazard			How to keep your pet safe
Dangerous Foods			The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods			Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys			Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.
Plants			Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations			Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide			Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.

Is doggy day care good for my dog?

Doggy daycare may seem like a crazy concept to some. Kids go to daycare not dogs, right? There are reasons that dog owners should reconsider. Dog daycare offers many benefits for both dog and owner. Dogs are social animals, therefore they do need socialization with both other dogs and with humans.

Have you ever been afraid to take your dog for a walk for fear of how it would behave when around other dogs or people? Doggy daycare is the perfect way to address this. When dogs are around and playing with other dogs their tolerance level increases. They become well-behaved creatures who are good natured the way that dogs should be.

Doggy daycare is always supervised by dog handlers. At the doggie daycare dog handlers interact with dogs, play their favorite games like fetch the ball, laser chase, obstacle climb and of course there are plenty of treats.

Most of us know that dogs that misbehave are generally not getting enough exercise. Generally while we are working dogs are cupped up in the house or in a crate. This leads to frustration in the dog, which may lead them to bite, bark, destroy furniture, chew stuff etc.

Doggy daycare is a complete release of energy. Even the most energetic dogs will be totally worn out at the end of the day. This exercise is great for both their physical and mental health. Generally most dogs are tired until the next morning, which makes it nice to take a dog to doggy daycare if you want to relax and have a quiet evening. It is a lot easier to leave a dog at home after being at work all day when you know they have been playing while you were off at work. So go ahead and go out to eat or go run errands your dog will sleep trust me!
Bring your dog to day care and smile your way to work knowing that he'll have a fun day playing.