The Holidays are fast approaching!

Just about everyone I talk to says the same thing, "Where has this year gone?" I agree, it's been a busy year and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays begin - yikes! - tomorrow!

The holidays can be a dangerous time for your dogs, though, and to have a safe holiday season requires some supervision:
* Keep your dog on his normal food and limit the treats to healthy ones with good ingredients.
* Don't let your guests feed your dog a lot of junk; gastrointestinal upset will be the end result!
* Don't exile your dog; let him be a part of the festivities but at the same time, if he is stressed by all the commotion, put him in his crate or in a back bedroom for some quiet time.

When you begin decorating for the holidays, keep safety in mind here, too.
* Make sure the tree is protected from your dog; the lights and cords are out of reach; and the tree is well anchored.
* Don't use tinsel on the tree; it's deadly to both dogs and cats.
* Keep mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia out of reach; they can cause gastric distress and are toxic to some animals.
* Don't use glass balls on the tree within your dog's reach; they look like brightly colored tennis balls!

For more on holiday ideas to keep your dog involved in family events and for more safety tips, listen to our podcast.

For now, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Liz