When it comes to the holidays, there are so many things to be careful of - not gaining 10 lbs. on cookies, not getting yourself into debt just to buy some presents - and of course keeping your pets healthy, happy and safe. Here are some helpful tips from your friends at Hill's Pet Nutrition on how you can do just that.

  • Provide solitude. Keep your dog's favorite place free from the holiday hubbub so he can relax.
  • Reduce stress. Keep your dog's exercise schedule as normal as possible to prevent anxiety and misbehavior.
  • Keep poisonous and dangerous plants away. Plants like mistletoe and poinsettia are poisonous, and ingested pine needles can cause digestive tract blockage. Keep your dog away from these plants and you just might save yourself a trip to the emergency vet.
  • Decorate safely. There are a variety of decorations that can cause problems for your dog. Ribbons and tinsel are frequently implicated in veterinary emergency room visits. Light cords, when chewed or frayed, can cause severe burns or electrocution. Prevent these disasters by keeping decorations out of reach or locked in an inaccessible room.
  • Make holiday trips safe and prepare for them well in advance. Take special precautions when

traveling with your dog no matter how you choose to travel. Several days before departing, consult with your veterinarian about how to properly prepare for a trip.

  • Table scraps aren't dog snacks. Many holiday foods are loaded with fat and sodium and can cause stomach upset. Chicken bones can easily get stuck in the digestive tract and other foods like chocolate or onions can be poisonous. In short, people food is meant for people, not dogs.
  • Because chocolate can cause illness and even death in dogs, it should be avoided completely. Chocolate contains theobromine, a potent cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulant that is eliminated very slowly in dogs.
  • Give your pet a tasty holiday treat without sacrificing precise nutrition. Available in many healthy varieties, Hill's Dog Treats are the perfect way to share some holiday cheer with your special dog.
  • If your dog suffers from occasional stomach upset, try the advanced digestive nutrition of Science Diet® Sensitive Stomach & Skin adult dog food.
  • Hills Author Hills Author
    Staff Author

    One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

    Related articles

    Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather

    If you live in a warm area and are thinking of adopting a dog, you might be wondering "what are the best dog breeds for hot weather?"

    Dog Dry Mouth: How Xerostomia Affects Your Dog

    Discover commom causes and treatment of dog dry mouth or xerostomia to help your pup. Learn how absence of saliva may indicate severe underlying health issues.

    Ear Infections in Dogs: What You Need to Know

    Understand what causes ear infections in your dog and what you can do to help prevent and treat them in the future.

    Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?

    Learn whether cinnamon is safe for your dog, what to do if they got into cinnamon bark, oil, sticks or spice, and what quantity of it is a health concern.

    What to Do if Your Dog is Lost or Missing

    Realizing your dog is missing or lost can be extremely stressful, but learn useful tips for handling this crisis and helping you track down your pup.

    Cyanosis & Blue Skin in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & More

    Cyanosis in dogs can be a serious condition, with symptoms like blue skin needing emergency treatment. Learn what to do if your dog shows signs like this.

    Treating Your Dog with and without Food

    Learn how to treat your dog without compromising its health. Get tips on how to spoil your pup without too much snacking on dog treats.

    Are Grapes & Raisins Bad for Dogs?

    Learn why grapes & raisins are poisonous for dogs, how to manage the situation if they've eaten them, symptoms to watch for, and when to go to the vet.

    Four Ways to Keep Your Adult Dog's Weight Ideal & Healthy

    Obesity can cause serious canine health issues, but following these 4 steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your adult dog can help.

    Getting Rid of Your Dog's Ear Mites

    Ear mites in dogs can cause your pup irritation & pain. If you think his ear scratching might mean he has mites, learn what to do for treatment.

    Common Health Concerns to Look for in Puppies

    Watch out for these 6 common health issues that puppies may develop in their first year of life. Learn all the symptoms so you can provide the best care.

    Healthy Dog Treats You Can Make at Home

    If you're looking for an easy way to create healthy, homemade dog treats for your dog, try one of these 2 recipes from Hill's Pet Nutrition.

    Why is My Dog Chasing Their Tail?

    Learn why your dog can get overly excited about chasing his tail, including common reasons like boredom & parasites, and how you can help them stop.

    Pets, Marijuana & THC: What You Need To Know

    If your dog ate marijuana, don't panic. Learn how weed and THC can affect dogs, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.

    Picking Up After Your Dog: Why It's Important

    Picking up dog poop can be unpleasant, but there are lots of reasons it's important: local laws, bad smells, diseases and impact on grass are all factors.

    Pyoderma in Dogs: What You Need to Know

    Learn what pyoderma in dogs looks like, what causes it and how nutrition & your dog's food can play a role in preventing and treating the infection.

    Ringworm in Dogs: How to Treat and Prevention Tips

    While ringworm in dogs is common, this highly contagious skin infection is preventable and treatable. Learn these tips to help you keep it from spreading.

    Heart Disease and Conditions in Dogs: Causes & Facts

    Learn what heart disease and heart conditions are for dogs, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect it in your dog.

    What's My Dog Doing When I'm Not Home?

    Who knows what dogs do when you're not home? Here are some of the most common activities your pet will take part in while you're away.

    Corneal Ulcers in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

    Discover causes of and risk factors for corneal ulcers in dogs, then learn about common symptoms and treatment options for this eye condition.