Holiday safety for Guide Dogs

With the holiday season fast approaching, we would like to provide a few tips on how to keep your Guide Dogs happy, healthy and out of harm’s way.

There are a number of potential dangers associated with Christmas for dogs, including the presence and consumption of foods that are toxic to dogs (i.e. macadamia nuts, chocolate, raisins) and the consumption of foreign bodies, such as Christmas decorations and even gifts under the tree.

Now, we all know that Labradors can easily sniff out tasty treats, and gifts of food wrapped up in pretty paper will likely not deter your dog! So, keep these things out of reach and save yourself the hassle of emergency vet visits over the holidays.

Be prepared by limiting free access to Christmas trees, gifts and foods that may be of interest to your dog. Place things out of reach where possible and pay close attention when you are gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season. And don’t be afraid to remind people about the dangers of offering Christmas treats to your Guide Dog.

Common holiday foods that are toxic to dogs include:

• chocolate
• Christmas cake (contains sultanas, raisins, currents)
• cherries
• alcohol
• macadamia nuts and almonds.

If you find that your dog has consumed any toxic foods or has ingested anything inappropriate, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.

For more in-depth information on safety for GDV Guide Dogs and puppies, check out this article on our website.