Tips to Keep Our Dogs Safe and Happy This Holiday Season

It's that time of year again: The holidays are coming!

And with the holidays comes the inevitable season of travel. Whether you're going to see family or just taking a vacation, you'll probably be traveling with your dog. But how do we keep our dogs safe and happy during this joyful yet stressful time?

 

Here are some tips:

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.

There's a lot to be said for keeping your dog up-to-date on its vaccinations this holiday season. First of all, it's the law. In some states, you can't even get a license for your dog without proof that they've been vaccinated against rabies and distemper. And if you don't have a license? Your dog might end up getting taken away from you. And we all know that's no fun for anyone involved. But beyond the legalities, there are other important reasons to keep your pup up-to-date on their shots.

One of the reasons is it helps them stay healthy. Dogs who get all their shots tend to live longer than those who don't—and who wants to lose their furry friend because they didn't get around to scheduling an appointment? Also, who would want to celebrate the holidays with a sick canine?

Keep them on flea and tick preventative.

Your pets deserve the best, and that includes flea and tick protection. Pets are family members, and when you're away from home, you want to make sure they're safe. That's why it's important to keep them on flea and tick preventative this holiday season—and beyond!

Fleas can cause your pet to itch and scratch relentlessly, leading to bald patches in their fur. And ticks can transmit diseases, including Lyme disease (which can be fatal). But with the right flea and tick meds, you can protect your furry friends from these dangers while they're hanging out with your family at home or visiting relatives over the holidays.

Make sure they are microchipped.

What if your beloved family pet is lost and you can't find them?

That's when microchipping comes into play. Microchipping is a way to ensure your pet's safety, even if they're out of sight. It's a simple procedure that uses a tiny chip inserted under your pet's skin to identify them as yours. This makes it easy for anyone who finds your pet to be able to identify them as belonging to someone, which can help lead them back home. So don't let this holiday season pass without making sure that your beloved pets are microchipped—they'll thank you for it!

Keep the chocolates away from the pets.

Chocolate is a delicious treat for humans but can be deadly for pets.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. It's also toxic to birds, horses, and other animals. The problem is that animals are unable to metabolize theobromine as quickly as humans do. This means that chocolate can cause serious problems for your pet—even if they only eat a small amount of it. The effects of chocolate on pets vary from mild to severe depending on how much they ate, how much of theobromine they consumed per pound of body weight, and how quickly you get them help after they've eaten it.

Because chocolates are abundant during the holidays, ensure you keep them out of your pet's reach.

 

Need Help?

Your pet is your family, and you want to do everything you can to help them navigate the world. But when it comes to the kind of danger that requires a vet's assistance, sometimes the best thing for your pet is to let a professional handle it. At All Community Animal Hospital, we are prepared to handle any kind of emergency that your pet may experience.

Call us at (281) 602-4078 if you are concerned about something your pet ingested.