Keep your Dog Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time to come together with your family, friends, and of course, your dogs. After all, who isn't secretly hoping to hear one of their presents start barking on a holiday morning?

While the festive season is full of excitement, it's important to remember that there are a variety of things that pose threats to your fur babies. From foods to decorations, you should know what to keep away from your dog. Because of that, we've compiled a list of a few things you should definitely not let your dog get their paws on.

Chocolate

In chocolate, there's a chemical called theobromine and it's very toxic to dogs. If dogs eat chocolate, they can experience agitation, tremors, hyperexcitability, and convulsions. Because even small amounts of chocolate can make your pup feel sick, it's important to keep them away from the sweets. If your dog does ingest chocolate, call up your vet and tell them how much chocolate they ate in order to determine if veterinary services are required.

Plants

Ingesting plants like poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, and even Christmas trees can be harmful when it comes to pet health. While most these plants are not necessarily very toxic, they can definitely cause an upset stomach, irritation to the mouth and stomach, and possibly more internal damage. So while these plants may be tempting to smell, make sure they stay out of your dog's mouth.

Decorations

Christmas decorations made of paper, foil, or plastic can obstruct the stomach when eaten. Furthermore, decorated glass can pose a risk if chewed or swallowed by a dog. Additional decorations like candles, which have a low toxicity, can potentially cause a blockage in the intestines and are a choking hazard.

If you're one of the millions of households in the U.S. that has a dog, you need to keep an extra close eye on them during the holidays. Because of all of the dangers your dog can be exposed to during the holiday season and all year round, it's important to invest in insurance plans for your dog.

Consider Investing in Dog Insurance  

Looking for more ways to keep your pup happy and healthy? Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.¹  Our dog insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your furry family member deserves.  Get your free quote today.