Have you recently adopted a puppy? If so, you’re in for a super cute year … and a super special holiday season. However, you’ll need to keep a close eye on little Fido. There’s no end to the mischief your furry buddy can get into at this time of year! A Fayetteville, NC vet offers some tips on spending Christmas with puppies below.

Decorating

You’ll need to be extra careful when decorating. Baby dogs are basically fuzzy, adorable, chewing machines. That’s dangerous all year long, but is particularly hazardous at this time of year. It’s probably best to assume that the majority of your decorations are going to be unsafe for little Fido. That includes anything small or sharp, such as ornament hooks, fragile ornaments; items with ropes, strings, or cords, such as tinsel, ribbon, garlands, and lights; anything that includes a battery; candles; and many seasonal plants. Ask your vet for puppyproofing tips.

Tree

As far as the tree goes, we recommend putting a puppy gate around it. This will help keep your canine pal from chewing on your gifts. If you have a real tree, it will also stop him from drinking the water, which isn’t safe.

Food

Little Fido deserves a special treat! Just stick with safe options, such as boneless, cooked meat, fish, or chicken. Don’t let him have table scraps; grapes, currants, or raisins; chocolate; avocado; caffeine; alcohol; and/or raw dough. Ask your vet for more information.

Training

Holiday or no holiday, you’ll need to work on little Fido’s petucation. Your canine buddy needs to learn important commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come. Housebreaking and crate training are also on the agenda.

Socialization

Socialization is crucial for puppies, as it helps them form open but positive opinions about the world. Dogs that weren’t socialized properly are much more likely to become fearful and/or aggressive as adults. If you’re hosting gatherings, invite people to pet and play with the little guy, and offer him toys and treats. Just make sure he doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Gifts

You’ll need to pick up a stocking for your furry pal. Toys and treats are both great gifts. You can also get that tail wagging with a new bed, doggy dental products, grooming supplies, and/or a GPS tag or collar.

Happy Holidays from Academy Pet Hospital, your Fayetteville, NC veterinary clinic. Contact us anytime!