is your dog naughty or nice?

If a dog’s prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky. ~ Old Proverb

back to our regularly scheduled blogging…

it matters when traveling with your pooch whether you go to grandma’s house or not… if your pooch is naughty or nice, right… no one likes to hang out on the holidays (or any other time) with misbehaving pets. Ahead of time, it is good for pet parents to help their furry friends with their manners. And make sure that their pets are safe and comfortable.  And get your pooch a licker license…  🙂

Woof Report has some lists to check off to help with packing and other travel related items…

http://www.woofreport.com/dog-owner-resources.html

now how many other holiday songs can I massacre, I mean, change with meaningful canine lyrics… especially having to do with cookies????

Jingle Bones…

do you have any ideas/songs for dogs for the holidays???

Do share.

And here are some more tips for holiday pet safety…

Even if you think your little ones are ready for a puppy or kitten, save pet adoption for after the holidays. With guests visiting your house, holiday decorations on display, and myriad other distractions during the week, it’s the worst time to try and introduce a small animal to its new home. Also do not give anyone a gift of a pet because many pets given as gifts end up at the shelter.

 
During the holiday season; we all worry about eating the right foods, managing mountains of wrapping paper and preventing our houses from burning down from all of those holiday lights. This year, VCA Animal Hospitals encourages you to think about the holidays from another perspective: your pet’s.

Pets tend to get just as excited as humans about wrapped gifts, festive decorations and delicious food. What our furry friends do not know is that some holiday details can be dangerous. Our gift to you is the best advice condensed into 10 fast facts to keep you and your pet safe this holiday season.

Protect and cover all prepared and uncooked foods, especially uncooked dough which can expand and cause severe stomach pain in your pet.

Every pet parent should know: keep all plants (especially poinsettias, peace lilies and mistletoe) out of your pet’s reach.

Tasty treats are very tempting for dogs and cats, so try to keep them out of reach and most certainly off the ground when you are unwrapping gifts.

Hanging lights and ornaments can be inviting to extra playful pets, but they can also be dangerous. Be sure to keep all decorations out of a pet’s reach.

Opening presents is fun, but it’s best for pets to stay away from all ribbons, wrapping paper and “linear foreign bodies” to avoid accidental ingestion and internal complications.

Left by themselves, pets may get into holiday food that can be potentially dangerous to their health. Foods with grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can cause problems ranging from digestive upset to possible organ failure.

If you haven’t been warned already: keep all chocolate out of your pet’s reach! There are toxins present in chocolate which can cause problems ranging from mild digestive upset to seizures and can even be fatal. For more details about the hazards of chocolate, see our article “Chocolate Poisoning“.

Dinners around the holidays are all about sharing. Although you may want to share with your pets, try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. If you wish to feed your pet a special treat, give only a small amount of table food mixed in with their regular dinner.

Any cords you may have near the floor can be a real danger to your cat. Their sharp teeth can easily puncture electrical wires.

You should try to keep your pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season, as to avoid them getting burned or otherwise injured.

For further information about each fast fact shown above, be sure to visit VCA Animal Hospitals’ Resource Library.

Deck the Halls with bones and folly…

and here is an inspiring tale about Little Red, a former M. Vick dog, who was recently (two months ago) adopted into her furrever home… she still has a LOT of FEAR to overcome. And is taking steps. Her mom is Awesome. And last week, Little Red freaked OUT when she first saw the Christmas tree all lit up. She was terrified and would not go anywhere near it despite the fact that her sleeping place was close by. Little’s mom asked her Facebook pals for advice. She received a lot. And was reassured. Little’s Mom stepped UP big time, treating Little Red, giving her natural calming, anti-anxiety remedies including Bach Flower’s Rescue Remedy and something called Chill Out that I’ve never heard of and voila… the photo below tells what eventually happened. Am SOOOOOO proud/thrilled for Little Red and her mom.  Our friend Stacy Dubuc said that Gingerella was once afraid of Christmas trees, too and had to overcome her fears and did. Am so happy/proud of ALL of the Vicktory dogs and their parents who have given them soooooo much love and care.

and a reporter wrote a nice story about Little including a poem and photo of Little wearing Handsome Dan’s t-shirt, that he got her to keep their connection forever. So sweet. Bring the tissues…

http://blog.timesunion.com/dogs/vick-dog-holidays-little-reds-first-christmas-in-a-home/1835/

Cannot give them kudos without another surprise photo for you below… of our boy Patrick, healthy, loved, happy and cared for by the vets at GSVS Hospital… Merry merry merry…

we have some more V-dog photos coming up soon, stay tuned !!!!