The winter season brings lots of fun holiday activities, however pet-owners should keep in mind a few precautions:

     1. Alcohol and chocolate are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep unhealthy, sweet treats and seasonal goodies out of reach.

     2. Review holiday gifts for dogs to make sure they are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.

     3. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.

     4. Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and may get badly shocked or electrocuted. Place wires out of reach.

     5. Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Don't leave your dog unattended in the room with a tree.

     6. Remove holiday lights from lower branches of your tree. They may get very hot and burn dogs.

     7. Refrain from using edible ornaments. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to eat them. Also, commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives.

     8. Avoid using glass ornaments. They break easily and may cut a dog's feet and mouth.

     9. Tinsel is dangerous for dogs. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.

The Holiday season is a stressful time for dogs. Try to keep a normal schedule during all the excitement.

Winter care: General Concerns.

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

     1. Do not leave your dog outside in the cold air for long periods of time. Wind chill makes colder than actual temperatures readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

     2. Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

     3. Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated.

     4. Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

     5. Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working dog. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperatures regulated, so additional calories are necessary.

     6. Do not leave your dog alone in the car. If the engine is running, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car is too cold.

Health tips:

     1. Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although is smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.

     2. Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate foot pads. Be sure to rinse your dog's feet after a walk.

     3. Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

     4. Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on the ears, tail and feet, do not leave your dog outdoors for too long.