The holidays have arrived…a time for family, friends and good cheer. To keep things that way, here is a holiday safety list to get you and your four-legged companion(s) through the season without an unexpected trip to the vet’s office! Post a copy and share with friends to make it a joyous holiday season for all.

Our Holiday Safety List

Holiday Foods Dangerous to Dogs

Turkey skins, gravy, and bones
Onions
Grapes & raisins
Coffee
Chocolate
Uncooked meat, fish & poultry
Macadamia nuts

Holiday Inedibles to Keep Out of Reach

Turkey strings and “pop-up” thermometers
Ornaments (keep them high!)
Live and artificial tree needles
Tinsel or flocking
Tree stand water
Lights and electrical cord
Batteries
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants (poisonous to dogs!)
Burning candles in the path of tails
Liquid potpourri or fragrant sachets
Small plastic toys or wrapped packages
Antifreeze
Rock salt

Good Ideas for The Season

Dog-proof gating around holiday hazards
Extra calories if your dog is very active in the cold outdoors
Limiting time outside in cold weather to avoid frost bite
Towel or blow-dry wet, cold dogs
Safe distances from heaters (and Santa’s cookies!)
Screens for fireplaces to avoid sparks on fur
A quiet place to retreat from hectic households and busy elves

And don’t forget quality time for you and your companion(s) – the best gift of all.