[gemy]

The yuletide is fast approaching, and new or old to yorkies, I though I'd start a thread on cautions around this time of year for your pups.

What I ask members to do is copy this post into the body of their suggestions and then add onto the list under the category's listed. This list is by nowhere complete, but will be when we add our collective wisdom to it.


Food Cautions:

1. Turkey dinner, dressing, and such is very rich food, don't be tempted to feed your little diva some of the human food.

2. Putting out nuts, chocolates for company is fine, just make sure your little Yorkie can NOT get to them

3. Alcohol is Extemely toxic to dogs; make sure your dogs do not ingest alcohol of any nature!


Company is coming:
1. It is best if lots of company is coming, ie repeated door openings and closings, to have your dogs either in a Xpen, crate, or a room separate from the front door. The last thing you need is to have your Yorkie go missing on Christmas.

2. Kids and Yorkies - Children new to your Yorkie do need to be monitored not just by the child's parents but also by you. If you can't do, then again Xpen crate or close your dog off from the little tykes.

3. Establish visitor rules, calmly and upfront. This room is off limits for eg. Or if you are going to introduce your dog/pup, establish the ground rules of interaction.



the Xmas tree Decorations and the gifts:
1. Hang ornaments up out of reach of your Yorkie. How tempting are all those shining baubles. And how dangerous.
2. When in doubt about what is contained in a gift you get, assume it is something your Yorkie shouldn't get into and place under the tree, just before you will open that luscious gift.
3. Extension cords; some Yorkies just love to chew those cords. Encase in plastic sheath, supervise, or tack up out of the reach of Yorkie mouths.


Vet Care and Emergency Help

1. Now is the time to get your vet's number on emergency dial, and to know their holiday hours.
2. Put on that dial the nearest vet emergency hospital, and put into your GPS if you have one.


Home Security

Sadly many many break ins occur around this time of year.

1. The last thing we need is to lose our most precious possessions, so if you can take your Yorkie with you. This time of year or not, get your pet microchipped, and keep collar with id tags etc on them.

2. Check twice, windows and doors are locked. Leave a light on in a couple of places, timer switches are good, that cycle on and off different lights going on in the house.