Mary Allen
Every year again. The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. Houses and apartments are decorated, cookies are baked and presents are bought for Christmas.
The “silent time” of the year is not always so contemplative and quiet. Most of the time the opposite is the case. People are hectic and stressed and push their way through the crowds in the shops and at the Christmas markets.
For our dogs, too, the last few weeks of the year are usually anything but contemplative. Sudden changes, stress, noise, and also dangers should not be underestimated at this time. You can help your darling to make Christmas a good time for him too.
Keep calm at the Christmas market
Our dogs are creatures of habit that have a very keen sense of when our mood changes.
If we become hectic during the pre-Christmas period, our dog will also change. Some animals withdraw, others become just as hectic as masters or mistresses.
The days are spent buying presents, Christmas parties, and visits to the Christmas market. Even if the four-legged friends are used to following their humans everywhere, sometimes it is better to leave your dog at home.
Many dogs don’t feel comfortable in the crowd, between the numerous legs of people. In addition, this situation is not entirely safe.
Spilled hot punch, shards of glass on the floor, and of course other people’s careless kicks don’t necessarily make Christmas markets dog-friendly zones.
Gingerbread and other dangerous threats
Christmas baking is a popular tradition in many families and people bake and cook everywhere. Windbreak, gingerbread, or chocolate balls are not suitable treats for our four-legged friends.
Increased caution is required, especially with sweets containing chocolate. Although chocolate poisoning is extremely rare, small dogs, in particular, should not eat chocolate at all.
The metal foil with which the tree ornaments are often packed can also be dangerous. If the dog eats the foil, it can lead to serious digestive problems. In the worst case, the film may even have to be surgically removed.
The leftovers from the Christmas menu can also be dangerous. The bones of the Christmas goose are particularly problematic for dogs. The poultry bones can splinter and cause injury to the mouth or worse, the digestive tract.
Dogs and Christmas baubles
Another popular tradition is the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
It can be found in most homes, but the jewelry on it has changed over time. Once upon a time, natural materials like straw stars hung on the tree, but today they are colorful balls and figures made of fine glass.
If a dog lives in the household, the dog owner should take a few precautions to heart. The colorful glass balls are a popular toy, especially for young dogs. They are also available in plastic in all colors.
I use these balls, which can hardly be distinguished from the glass ones, for the lower part of the tree. So if a ball is taken from the tree by tail wagging or romping around, nothing happens.
However, if the glass balls fall to the ground, they shatter into wafer-thin shards that could injure the dog.
Candles should also be avoided in the lower areas. The flickering light is always exciting for animals. Not only because of the pets, but real candles should also only burn under supervision.
Tinsel has gone out of fashion in recent years, but it is still used from time to time. Like the metal wrappers, these ornaments can cause serious digestive problems and injuries if dogs swallow them.
Also, make sure plants like poinsettia, holly, or mistletoe are out of your dog’s reach. They are just as poisonous as the spray snow for window pictures. There is nothing wrong with an occasional tangerine or your advent calendar.
Christmas is stressful for dogs
Watch your pet closely during the run-up to Christmas. You will recognize the first signs of stress immediately.
The dog eats less or significantly more than usual. It grooms itself excessively and withdraws. Suddenly he can no longer be motivated even with his favorite toy and he exhibits exaggerated behavior or barking.
To avoid this in advance, make sure that you stick to the daily routine as much as possible. Regular feeding and timely walks give the animal security.
Reward your pet with homemade treats. They are quick to bake, so dog and owner can have fun together at Christmas time.
If you and your dog got through the first Christmas well, it will almost become routine for your four-legged friend in the coming year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wrap a gift for dogs?
To get started, it is usually sufficient if the gift is closed by folding, twisting, or carefully crunching the wrapping paper. For dogs that are already familiar with the principle and are not unpacking something for the first time, adhesive strips can also be used to close it.
Which trees are poisonous to dogs?
Laburnum, lilac, hydrangea, angel’s trumpet, oleander, ivy, mountain ash, and holly can also cause poisoning in dogs. It is best to avoid chemicals such as weed killers or slug pellets altogether.
Are fir trees poisonous to dogs?
pine needles. Pine needles from the Christmas tree or Advent wreath are easily accessible for most pets. However, consumption is very harmful to dogs because they contain essential oils. Life-threatening liver and kidney damage can occur in the long term.
Is spruce poisonous to dogs?
The needles of spruce and blue fir in particular are very sharp. Also, dogs cannot digest the needles. There is always a risk of constipation for your dog and this can lead to intestinal obstruction.
How toxic are pine needles to dogs?
For example, pine needles contain essential oils that are toxic to dogs and can damage the liver and kidneys in the long term. The animals can also react acutely with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Incidentally, the essential oils can also be contained in the water in the Christmas tree stand.
Which trees are not poisonous to dogs?
Deciduous trees such as maple, birch, beech, or conifers such as fir, spruce, pine, larch, or cedar are also considered relatively harmless and also provide the dog with sufficient shade in summer.
What branches can dogs chew?
Since a dog’s teeth are not fully hardened by the age of two (risk of breakage), young dogs should be offered soft chew toys. Chewing roots, willow twigs and soft bones from veal or beef are particularly suitable for this.
Are pine needles poisonous to dogs?
Pine needles are toxic to cats and dogs and can damage the intestines if ingested.