Dear Dr. John,
I grew up with allergies such that having a dog was a challenge and it carried into my adult life, so my wife and grown children never had a dog either. Recently, we purchased a Shih Tzu/Poodle mix for my elderly mother. My mother did some things that worried us for the health of the small dog, such as giving it six cough drops. We also started to be concerned that she might trip over the dog, so we took it into our home.
We have fallen in love with the dog. Since this is our first dog, our questions are about what is safe in the home at this time of year. She is curious and active, so can you list some of the typical hazards that we should be wary of? Thanks, and Merry Christmas. D.F.
Dear D.F.,
Congratulations on getting a dog and keeping the puppy after it did not work out for your mother. These animals are sometimes returned to where they came from, and I am glad to see that you kept the puppy.
As a person with allergies to dogs, I am sure that you know that Poodle mix dogs are a good solution to having a dog since these dogs are hypoallergenic. There are three categories of holiday hazards to be mindful of: foods, plants, and decorations. The foods to always avoid are fatty meats, chocolate, grapes, onions, nuts, and sweets. Fruitcake is a real problem since it may have alcohol, raisins, and nuts in it.
Holiday plants of concern include mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and even a Christmas tree or the water in the stand. Decorative items to watch that the puppy doesn’t get into include ornaments, ribbons, and tinsel, wrapping papers, potpourri, and even candles. Ingested, any of these can cause serious problems in the digestive tract. Electrical cords for lights should also be carefully placed so the puppy doesn’t chew them.
Choose safe treats to feed your puppy and keep the home safe for her curious behavior. I have no doubt that this holiday season will be more joyful for your family with the new four-legged member of the family!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic.He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
