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Small Dogs Require Extra Care During the Holiday Season
The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it
that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some
common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are
increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their
special needs.
Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other
Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey,
pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be
too spicy or rich for the dog's digestive system to handle.
While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could
be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.
With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye
on that little dog. It may be fun to play "chase the tinsel"
with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you're not
paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament
may look a lot like your little dog's favorite ball. Poinsettias
and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.
Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their little pets
when company arrives. Even the best-socialized little dog may
feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the
room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in
full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is
intimidating, to say the least! Toddlers who move erratically or
grab tails may be frightening to a tiny dog. Small children and
dogs of any size should not be left alone together.
Pay attention to your small dog's location. Dogs can slip
outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can
climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a
pile of coats! The most tragic tale we've heard is of a small
dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor's bed, was killed
when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don't
make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn't
see him. Very sad, and very easy to avoid - just find the dog
before you move the furniture.
Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season
for the entire family - including your toy dog.
About the author:
Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a
bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun,
affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has
trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a
decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog
Training Club.
Written by: Hope Saidel
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