Why Dogs Should Stay In Holiday Essay

Will Your Dog Join in the Holiday Festivities Tomorrow?

For many people--like my family--including the dogs in holiday trips and festivities isn't optional. Where we go, they go. That means we must be prepared to meet our dogs' needs while we are away from home:

1. Always ask if your dog will be welcome before you bring him along.

Some religions have restrictions on contact with dogs, some people are highly allergic to dog dander and/or saliva, and still others might be cynophobic (severely afraid of dogs). Even though my Service Dog,

Mickey, is guaranteed access to public gatherings under the Americans with Disabilities Act, I always ask permission to bring him to locations that are exempt, such as church services, private homes, and clubs

(such as country clubs

We remind family members that the dogs are not allowed to beg for food from the table and shouldn't be given any scraps. When dinner is announced, we give the dogs their Kongs and they settle in the living room, far from the dining room table.

6. Pay attention to your host's holiday decorations. Common holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, narcissus & fir trees are all toxic to your dog. The degree of toxicity depends on the plant and the amount ingested. Check the ASPCA's toxic plant page, which comes complete with photos, for the complete list. Other decorations such as tinsel, glass or Hallmark-type ornaments, artificial trees and garland, and even the wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows used to decorate gifts may pose threats to your dog's health if ingested.

7. Watch for signs that your dog needs a potty break. If the dog is in an unfamiliar area, his potty training may break down. When in doubt, give your dog the opportunity to go outside once an hour. Set the alarm on your cell phone as a reminder if needed. It's better to excuse yourself to take your dog outside, than to apologize for an accident