holiday doggie daycare – Good Dog Hotel & Spa

Keep your dog and other pets safe during the holidays with these food, decorations and party safety tips.

‘Tis the season for twinkling lights and holiday festivities. We’re already in the spirit at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple, and we can’t wait to spread some cheer. As you plan your family gatherings and get out all those decorations, we wanted to share some important information for pet parents.

1. If you’re traveling and need to reserve space for overnight stays, book now – we’re filling up fast.

2. If you like to get your pooch spruced up for the holidays and visitors, our professional groomers have you covered. But again, act fast to schedule an appointment.

3. If possible, keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible.

We also wanted to pass on some excellent holiday safety advice from the folks at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). They’ve outlined pet safety tips for seasonal plants and decorations, food, and all those parties and gatherings. Gear up, friends, and get ready to celebrate!

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

• Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

• Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

• Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

• That Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

• Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

• Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

• Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

• Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

• Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.

Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering

• House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

• Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

• A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

• New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Tips for helping your dog cope with the noise and stress of fireworks and Independence Day celebrations in Indiana.

Tiki, our Good Dog Hotel & Spa Ambassador, wishes you a fabulous Fourth of July, and reminds you to keep your pets safe and secure during the holiday.

One of the main events at most Fourth of July celebrations in Indiana is, of course, the fireworks – what would Independence Day be without them? And while we humans might love the “oohs” and “aahs” of fancy explosions and bright colors, your dog most likely won’t feel the same way. In fact, research shows that more pets run away on this holiday than any other time of the year.

The Fourth of July can be a stressful holiday for pets. Loud noises can cause fear in dogs, causing anxiety and a triggered nervous system. Unlike natural occurrences (like thunder), fireworks are more intense, lower to the ground, and come with flashing lights and unfamiliar smells. You can make the holiday safer and a little less frightening for your dog by following these tips:

Be prepared. Make sure your dog is wearing proper identification, and keep your eye on him during the activities and commotion. Remember that your dog’s survival instinct is to be afraid of loud noises and run away.
Supply plenty of water. Anxious dogs pant more and get thirsty, so make sure that water bowl is topped off.
Seek safety. If possible, arrange to have your dog in a place where there won’t be loud fireworks going off. This could be at a friend’s or relative’s house, or even at a familiar dog-boarding It will help if your dog has spent time and is already comfortable at the home or doggie daycare.
Consider alternatives. Unable to take your dog away to a fireworks-free location? Have a travel kennel or cage at home for her to feel safe in. Allow her to seek refuge under beds or chairs, if that’s preferable. Draw curtains, shut any open windows and doors, and leave the TV or radio on to help distract from outside noises. If you’re not going to be home, have a sitter, friend or relative come over to keep your dog company. Make sure she is taken out to relieve herself every four hours.
Get your dog used to the sounds. If you’d like to help your dog become more tolerant of fireworks, consider planning ahead for next year and work in advance to make him more comfortable with the loud sounds. With plenty of patience and time (probably three to four months), you can play recorded sounds of fireworks or other loud noises for your dog at increased intervals and volumes. This can be done before a walk or meal time, and during playtime. As he learns to associate the noise with safety and comfort, it can help desensitize him from the sounds of fireworks. Note: If your dog is extremely sensitive to loud noises, seek the advice of an experienced dog behaviorist before you try any desensitizing techniques.
Consult with your vet. If your dog has an extreme reaction to fireworks, talk with your veterinarian about possible solutions. They could include wearing ThunderShirts or other calming accessories, or even taking calming medications, if necessary. And remember, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do your best to remain calm. Your dog will sense any nervousness on your part, so relax and send the message that things are fine. The less you’re concerned about fireworks, the higher the chances your dog will pick up on your cues and be less concerned as well.
Get plenty of exercise (before dusk). Prior to any fireworks displays, take your dog on a long walk or out for an invigorating play session. Expend any access energy before the festivities begin. This will help your dog get to a pleasantly tired – and hopefully more calm – state.
Let your dog sit this one out. We know that dogs are a part of the family, and you might feel guilty by excluding them from a family event. But celebrations with fireworks are events that your dog won’t mind missing out on. If your dog is bothered by fireworks, he will be happy to stay safe at home or in another quiet place, away from stress and anxiety.

Do You Have More Tips to Share?

Have you found ways to make your dog feel safer and less stressed in the presence of fireworks? We’d love to hear your stories. Please leave any additional tips or suggestions in the space below.