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Fido's Holiday Plans

December 15, 2020

The holidays are here! Whether you’re going to be busy juggling events and activities, or just relaxing at home, you’ll likely enjoy some of your own traditions. As it turns out, our canine companions also have a few traditions. Read on as a local Washington DC veterinarian lists a few of the cuter ones. 

Greet Guests

One thing we love about dogs is the way they always let us know there’s someone at the door. If your furry pal gets a bit too enthusiastic about his door doggy duties, start working on his petiquette. It’s worth noting that some pups get quite uneasy if there’s a lot of commotion. If Fido gets anxious easily, put him in a quiet back room with food, bedding, and toys, and let him sleep through the festivities.

Mischief

Keep any decorations that could be dangerous in spots Fido can’t access. This includes things like tinsel, lights, candles, and small or sharp ornaments. Many holiday plants, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, and poinsettias, are toxic to dogs. These should also be kept out of paws’ reach.

Enjoy A Snack

Those delicious seasonal treats are a big part of many holiday celebrations. Fido definitely deserves a few extra-yummy snacks! Just stick to things that are safe, like plain, cooked, boneless meat. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; avocado; chocolate; caffeine; xylitol; alcohol; meat on the bone; and raw dough or yeast. Ask your vet for more information.

Enjoy Some Gifts

We always love seeing people include their pets in their holiday gift-giving traditions. Toys and treats are classic doggy gifts. Fido may also enjoy something a bit more modern, like a mechanical ball launcher. 

Play

It may soon get too chilly for long walks or Frisbee sessions, but that doesn’t mean your canine buddy can’t still have fun. You can play games like Fetch indoors. Just avoid spots with a lot of breakables. Fido can also get a doggy workout in by doing stair runs. Some pooches also enjoy treadmills, though you’ll need to supervise your pup carefully. Ask your vet for more information.

Be Adorable  

Dogs just never stop making us smile with their cute faces and silly antics. Keep Fido’s cute tail wagging by paying lots of attention to him! 

Happy Holidays! Please feel free to contact us, your Washington DC veterinary clinic, anytime!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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