Along with the fun and excitement of the holidays come certain precautions that need to be taken when you live with a dog. Alot of us are real party animals but not everything that becomes a part of your holiday celebration is good for us. I asked my assistant, otherwise known as my human, to research some of the holiday plants, foods and other materials that can cause problems for dogs. Here’s what she found.

Holiday Plants – mistletoe, holly berries, lilies and poinsettias are poisonous for dogs. If you have them as part of your holiday decor, make sure they are out of “chewing” range.

The Christmas tree – where do I begin as the Christmas tree presents so many different ways for us to get into trouble. The opening to the tree stand should be covered with foil or mesh to keep us from using it as a holiday water bowl. The water might contain harmful fertilizer from the tree, bacteria, or chemicals to help preserve the tree. Tinsel and angel hair are big no no’s as they can cause major gastric emergencies if we eat them. Give careful thought to the ornaments you put on the lower branches. We usually try to eat anything that sparkles and catches our eye. Electrical cords can look like a new chew toy to us so make sure they are tucked safely away out of our reach. Be mindful of any wrapped presents you put under the tree containing food or candy. They most likely won’t stay wrapped for long and the present is also likely to disappear only to reappear later…….I think you get the point.

Food & Drink – what can I say about this subject other than most dogs are not very discriminating eaters and will eat just about anything you give them, especially if it smells good. However, not everything on your holiday menu should be on ours. Some examples include fatty foods, chocolate, raisins and currants found in fruit cakes, sugarless candy or gum containing xylitol, and alcohol. Make sure your holiday guests know that Santa will put them on his “naughty” list if they give your dog anything to eat that you have not approved.

Toys & Treats – new toys should only be given to us when you can be there to watch us and make sure we aren’t going to destroy them and swallow something that we shouldn’t. New treats should be given to us sparingly until you know how our tummies will react.

It’s a good idea to have the telephone number for the nearest emergency veterinary clinic for any after hours emergency.  Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital  503-228-7281; Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin  503-691-7922;  ASPCA Pet Poison Control  1-888-426-4435.

The holidays can be a fun time for you and your dog.  You just need to “dog proof” your home the same way you would “kid proof” your home for the holidays.

Happy Birthday to us!!!!!! Camp Doggie Tails turns 5 on December 4th. Everyone loves a reason to celebrate because it means I, oops, I mean we get to do something fun and special.

After 4 years of celebrating our opening in 2004 with a fundraiser that featured dog photos with Santa, my mom decided to do something a little different. This year we are having a fundraiser to support dogs in need. Beginning December 1st through December 21st, we will be taking dog food donations for AniMeals and the Pongo Food Bank.

The AniMeals program was started by Friends Involved in Dog Outreach (FIDO) when it was discovered that many seniors who receive home delivered meals were giving some of their food to their pets. The program currently assists 135 seniors in the feeding of their dogs and cats. For more information about AniMeals you can check out their website at www.Fido-Clackamas.org/animeals.

The Pongo Food Bank, Portland’s first pet food bank, was developed by Larry Chusid when he discovered that homeless shelters typically don’t provide food for pets. This non-profit provides high quality pet food to people who are struggling financially and can’t afford to buy food for their pets. To learn more about this program, check out their website at www.thepongofund.org.

You can drop off your dog food donation at either one of our locations beginning December 1st through December 21st and we will deliver it to the charity of your choice.  Your donation will help make life for our dog friends in need a little more bearable.  As my mom always says, “Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.”

Welcome to “Everything Dog” according to me, Dallas the Diva Dachshund. I’m a miniature black and tan dachsie, 8 pounds in all. Don’t let my size fool you. I’m cute, smart and have alot to say. I live with my human, who I call mom, and four other dogs. My mom owns two dog daycares, so in our house it’s all about dogs and, of course, ME!!!

There’s alot people need to know about man’s best friend in order to make sure we doggies have the best life possible.

Stay tuned for regular updates on “Everything Dog” according to me, Dallas the Diva Dachshund.

Welcome to our new blog, Everything Dog According to Dallas the Diva Dachshund, at Camp Doggie Tails!  We look forward to participating with you in an ongoing dialogue about dogs, dog care, dog day care and many other things.