Food from the festive table, garlands and tree decorations, firecrackers — all of these can threaten the health of pets, experts say.
"Dogs are like children; their excessive curiosity and activity can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous situations. During the New Year holidays, try to keep your dog away from the table, and inform guests in advance about the ban on feeding the pet festive dishes. It is also important to ensure safety at home: choose battery-operated garlands, avoid glass ornaments and open flames (candles, fireplaces)," said dog handler Vladimir Golubev.
Firecrackers
On the eve of midnight, fireworks and firecrackers start going off in the streets. The sharp loud sounds can cause severe stress in animals, and burning firecrackers pose a physical threat. Some dogs that are not afraid of loud noises may run after a burning firecracker and be nearby at the moment of the explosion. The consequences can be quite serious. "Therefore, it is extremely important to closely monitor your pet while walking on New Year's Eve and during the long holidays. We recommend walking the dog in advance, before the active celebrations begin, to minimize the risk and avoid unnecessary stress," advises the expert.
New Year’s Decor
During the festive days, it is rare to do without a New Year tree and decorations. Ensure safety for your dog by removing all tinsel that is accessible to the animal. Tinsel can be swallowed, leading to a blockage of the digestive tract. It is better to choose garlands made of natural materials and tightly wrap them around the tree so that hanging elements do not attract the dog's attention. Additionally, the dog handler recommends using battery-operated garlands, as the cord from an electric garland can be chewed by the dog, which may lead to electric shock.
"If possible, avoid glass ornaments, and place plastic ones on the upper tiers. Glass ornaments can easily break, and shards can injure the animal, so it is better to choose ornaments made from natural materials such as silk, wood, wool, paper, or papier-mâché. Do not leave lit candles in accessible places. A curious dog may try to taste them and get burned or accidentally knock them off the table, which could lead to a fire," warns the specialist.
Food from the Table
Treats like Olivier salad, caviar sandwiches, chocolate cake, and other festive dishes are best left for guests. For dogs, food from the human table (especially festive) should be off-limits.
"Fatty, spicy, fried, and smoked foods can be toxic and dangerous for dogs. In addition to indigestion, such food can cause serious illnesses in pets. To avoid ruining the holiday, keep a close eye on your pet. Do not allow it to take food from the table and warn guests in advance not to feed the dog human food. Even a small piece can cause the animal to feel unwell," emphasizes the dog handler.
