Dogs and the holidays - serious
- From: Dave Gerecke <dave.gerecke@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 17:42:36 +1100
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With festivities for the holidays
fast approaching, everyone is scurrying about in preparation for
celebration. Since this is the season to be merry, it should be a time
for mirth and merriment for everyone -- including the family dog. But
the holidays present some annual dilemmas for our canine companions.
Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, today released
suggestions to help dog owners ensure their pets' safety during the
holidays. The guidelines are based on Bark Busters' expertise in dog
behavior and the experience of the company's network of dog behavioral
therapists who have successfully trained more than 250,000 dogs
worldwide.
"The holiday season introduces our pets to a great deal of chaos, at
least from their perspective," said Liam Crowe, Master Dog Therapist
and COO of Bark Busters. "Unfortunately for dogs, the festivities
present a host of new stimuli -- sights, sounds, and smells -- that can
disrupt their routines and potentially present dangerous circumstances.
Responsible dog owners will take steps to ensure that their dogs enjoy
the holidays, too."
Bark Busters recommends the following safety and care tips for dog
owners during the holidays:
Christmas Tree Hazards
-- Don't let your dog drink water from the base of the tree. Frequently
this water contains chemicals that help the tree last longer. These
chemicals will often cause severe indigestion for your dog. Even pine
sap from the tree can cause a health problem.
-- Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree. This will
avoid potential disaster from an inquisitive canine or a dog's
over-active tail-wagging that can wipe out an entire limb full of
precious ornaments.
-- New electrical cords that light the tree and other decorations are
an irresistible curiosity. Train your dog not to go near them, or use a
safe repellant such as Bitter Apple.
-- Tinsel is new and exciting to dogs, too. Unfortunately it can twist
in the intestines and cause serious problems. It's best to use it
sparingly or not at all.
-- Male dogs will frequently "mark" the new tree as part of their
territorial instincts. It's best to make the tree area "off limits" to
eliminate the possibility of any problems.
Holiday Food Problems
-- Don't give your dog rich foods. During the holidays we want to share
"goodies" with our dogs -- but the result can be no real treat for your
dog. Unfortunately, these "treats" can trigger life-threatening
illnesses in the intestines and pancreas of a dog.
-- Never submit to the temptation to give your dog cooked bones of any
type, especially those from a turkey or chicken. Every year unnecessary
choking tragedies occur from such incidents.
-- Put the chocolates away -- out of sight and reach of the family dog.
It's not unusual to have trays of candies and chocolates on tables for
guests, but chocolate is toxic to dogs. A dog can consume a whole tray
of chocolate in seconds, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even
death.
Other Toxic Items
-- Keep holiday plants away from your dog. Many, such as mistletoe and
the amaryllis, are toxic. Depending upon the size of your dog, a nibble
on a toxic plant can lead to illness or death. The poinsettia, often
considered poisonous, is not.
-- Sometimes we put our dog in the garage when we have guests. Make
certain that antifreeze is not on the floor where your dog can reach
it. Oddly, dogs like the taste of antifreeze and will sometimes open a
container with their teeth. It is extremely toxic, and takes very
little to kill a dog, so take the necessary precautions.
Guests and Commotion
-- A dog's routine is drastically changed over the holidays at most
households. Dogs are creatures of habit. When guests and new excitement
arrive during the holidays, it's typically a time the family dog might
display uncharacteristic unruly or aggressive behavior. Be aware of
potential problems -- and never leave a dog alone with small children.
-- Train your dog to sit quietly near the front door when the doorbell
rings. A barking and jumping dog is not appreciated by most guests.
Surprisingly, this is quite easy to accomplish when done correctly.
-- Provide some new gifts for your dog to occupy his time when guests
arrive. Toys such as a Buster Cube are nearly indestructible and will
distract your dog for a long period.
-- Walk your dog before guests arrive. While this might seem obvious,
often it is not done. A 1-2 mile walk generally will result in the dog
taking a nap, just as guests arrive.
-- The holidays often result in dogs uncharacteristically toileting in
the house. Excitement, excessive doggie treats, inadvertent table
scraps, and distractions that result in forgetting to take the dog
outside all contribute to the problem. Take the necessary steps to
ensure your dog gets the proper attention. But, don't alter his normal
food and avoid the urge to give him table scraps. That's asking for
trouble.
Puppies
-- Thousands and thousands of puppies are given as gifts during the
holidays. Unfortunately, many of them end up at animal shelters -- or
worse. Some are abused and are relegated to living a life in fear.
Before giving a dog as a gift, consider the environment and lifestyle
of the recipients -- then pick a breed that's the best fit. Talk to
your veterinarian, dog trainer, or local shelter for more information.
-- If you are on the receiving end of a new puppy, recognize that a dog
takes a real commitment of time for care and feeding, play time,
medical attention, and training. It's all worth the investment, but
realize that you must be committed to your new friend. Many people
don't take the time or spend the relatively small amount of money to
train their new dog, and this can lead to unnecessary abandonment,
maltreatment, or even euthanasia.
-- Almost any training is better than none. Many books and video tapes
are excellent. Hiring a trainer shortens the process and helps ensure
results.
"Because we humans are distracted during the holidays, we tend to
forget the needs of our canine companions," added Crowe. "Frequently,
we put the dog outside to get the pooch out of the way, and sometimes
forget that temperatures can drop very quickly in the winter. The
message from these tips is to plan ahead. If we think about what's best
for our dogs -- like we would for a child -- then everyone will enjoy
the holidays, including our furry friends."
----
Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in the
area of correcting all dog behavior problems. For details, call
877-500-BARK or visit <www.barkbusters.com>www.barkbusters.com
..
Copyright Business Wire 2005
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