Holiday Tips

by Suzan Reed

1. If your dog eats an ornament that’s made of glass, soak two cotton balls (they must be cotton, not synthetic) in vanilla ice cream, milk or cream and feed them to your dog. This sweeps the intestine of small, sharp pieces. Then call the vet at once.

2. String, gift wrap and ribbon if swallowed: don’t pull on it because it could be attached to something lodged in the gut. Call the vet at once.

3. Make sure all ornaments, gift wrap, alcohol, chocolate, potpourri, food, candy, garbage, snow globes, and gifts with food inside are up and out of reach of your dogs.

4. Cotons have been known to climb on tables, up on chairs and across side tables and on top of TVs to get to delicious and interesting things when they are bored by not being able to go outside during the holidays.

5. Tell your Coton who is going to come to the house about a half hour before the doorbell rings. Most Cotons know the names of people they have met, and knowing that people are coming can relieve a lot of anxiety for you, your guests and your dogs when the guests arrive. It really works!

6. When deciding what ornaments and tree to buy, keep your dog in mind.

7. The water the Christmas tree is set in can contain many toxins. Cover it with plastic (which helps it from drying out) and a tree skirt.

8. Cotons get dry skin during the cold months and can become itchy. Bathe your dog frequently (once a week is OK).

9. Potpourri, the anti-freeze in snow globes, turkey skin, onions, chocolate, salt (in food and on peanuts and crackers) many plants, tinsel, glass, and many other things around the house during the holiday season are poisonous or toxic to your dog.

10. 1Be sure to check the poison lists to discover just what an harm your dog and avoid having it around during the holidays.

11. Be sure to keep your vet's number handy inside the kitchen cabinet and on speed dial on your phones and cell phone. Include the National Poison Control number and that after hours emergency vet as well. From chewing through electrical cords to upset stomachs from eating poinsettias, the holidays can be a tricky and dangerous time for your little Coton de Tulear!