My most recent posts have covered a wide array of holiday topics related to your dog.  I discussed safe foods your dog can eat from the Thanksgiving feast.  I talked about the best dog toys for the holidays.  I even shared winter safety tips for your canine.  Today, let us expand on the seasonal advice and talk about keeping your dog safe while preparing the house with holiday decorations.

Holiday Ornaments

Some people love the look of glass ornaments hanging from the tree.  There is no denying that these delicate ornaments are beautiful, but if you have a dog then leave out the glass.

Glass ornaments break easily.  Once broken on the ground, your dog may accidentally step on one cutting his own feet.  Alternatively, if your dog picks one up with his mouth, it could cause fatal injury.  Choose something safe to use on the tree.  But keep in mind, do not use edible decorations.  This may be too tempting for the dog and cause a different kind of havoc to unfold.

Holiday Lights

The greatest advice I have for holiday lights is to keep the lights high enough where the dog cannot reach.  This even applies for the yard lights.

A light could become extremely hot and burn your dog.  Preserve the higher branch areas outside, and elevated places in the home for lights.   This will keep everyone in the family happy and safe this holiday season.

For more advice on how to create the holiday spirit with dog safe décor, talk to a k9 obedience instructor or a Florida dog training professional today.

Some dog owners prefer to keep their dogs outside for many reasons.  There is no room indoors.  The dog is able to roam outside freely without space limitations.  The kids’ allergies act up otherwise.  There are many advantages to having an outdoor dog.  But you need to ensure your dog remains safe and happy during chilling winter months.   Here are some basic tips on how to keep your outdoor dog safe this winter.

Add Comfort to the Doghouse

During the summer months, most dog owners provide dogs with shaded areas to hang out.  There is accessible clean, fresh water for the dog to drink at anytime.  The mindset is completely different when it comes to winter.  You need to switch gears to address these issues.

First, provide lots of blankets or straw bedding inside the doghouse.  Your dog needs to have a safe and comfortable place to outlast cold snow and harsh winds.  Examine the front opening of the doghouse.  Is it facing into the wind or away?  This makes a difference in keeping your dog healthy and warm during the winter months.  Also, remember to change the dog bedding regularly.  You cannot slack on this task solely because it is cold outside.

Pack More Calories into Meals

During cold months, dogs use up more energy.  It is how a dog maintains the right body temperature while the outdoor temperatures drop.  To fulfill this need, provide your dog with additional calories.  It will keep your dog healthy, warm, and happy.

For more outdoor winter dog tips, talk to a k9 obedience or a Florida dog training professional today!

It is traveling season.  You are taking your dog along on holiday trips to the beach, woods and to see family.  Alternatively, you may keep your dog in a pet resort.  Either way, the identification records need to be up to par.  This is the time when some dog owners consider microchip identification.  However, many questions arise about these devices.  To ease your mind, here is a basic overview of the benefits, and functions of the device.

What is a Microchip ID?

A microchip ID is a tiny chip that is the size of a rice grain.  It has an identification number that correlates with a database that stores your dog’s name, home address, and contact information if lost.  The database is easily updated, as needed.  Therefore, if you move, the new address is entered ensuring all records are current.  It brings peace of mind to loving pet owners.

How is it Implanted?

A microchip ID is a safe mechanism implanted under the skin of the dog via an injection.  It lasts a dog’s lifetime never needing replacement or removal.  A handheld electronic scanner reads the device.  The injection and the scanning do not harm the dog.  Discomfort only occurs during the shot itself.  It is a great means to prevent your dog from being stolen, sold and never returned to you, the rightful owner.

To find out what other dog owners think about the microchip ID, talk to a k9 obedience instructor or a Florida dog training professional today.