You have all your decorations set out for the holidays.
Whether it is your Christmas tree, your Menorah, or your Kwanzaa candles, your humble abode is decked from floor to ceiling in every adornment you could afford.
It looks great! You are ready to entertain.
Through all the festivities, the family visits, and general chaos of the holidays, it is easy to become irresponsible for the one houseguest you won't shake all season: Lulu, your new puppy.
You must be sure that she will be safe, despite the numerous and holiday-specific dangers she will be exposed to.
You must "puppy-proof.
" Don't let the name fool you.
This is an essential process for dogs of all ages, and a task that you must perform each and every holiday season in order to ensure that no emergency vet visits interrupt this otherwise merry time of year.
Holiday Plants First off, if you are fond of decorating with any holiday plants, know that most of them are poisonous.
Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and hibiscus flowers are all poisonous.
If you plan to use any of these flowers, make absolutely sure that they are completely out of the reach of Lulu.
To be extra safe, you could buy high quality fake plants.
They aren't a threat to Lulu, and they have another benefit.
If you buy the fake versions, they won't wilt.
They will last for years, and pack them away with your other decorations.
The other major plant you may have to worry about is the Christmas tree.
Lulu will want to explore the tree, and she could easily knock it over on herself if it is not in a secure tree stand.
Besides just falling over, the tree poses many other threats to little Lulu.
The Christmas Tree Low hanging decorations like tinsel, garland, ornaments, and anything edible are going to look appealing to her, but are dangerous.
Your job is to keep all of those things away from doggie height.
Tinsel and garland should actually be avoided all together if possible.
Your tree can be beautiful without them, and they are so dangerous to your furry friend.
Small, breakable, ornaments should be hung in the higher branches.
Decorating with food is something that should be reserved for high branches only, if at all.
Electrical cords from your tree lights pose the same threat as regular electrical cords.
Lulu will want to chew them.
Cords can be covered by a tree skirt, sprayed with anti-chew sprays, or even taped down.
In general, you shouldn't leave Lulu unattended with the tree.
Gifts Any gifts that may be under your tree are also a danger to Lulu.
She may chew on ribbons, tags, and paper, none of which are good for her.
Don't put the presents out until the week or so before the holiday.
Open Flames If you celebrate Chanukah or Kwanzaa, some of your holiday decorations and traditions involve open flames.
This is obviously a problem for Lulu, who may be curious or careless and get herself burned.
The practical answer would be to buy fake candles, the kind with the flickering bulbs that imitate candlelight.
You may feel that this is a cheapening of your holiday tradition.
If real flame is a necessity, then be sure that all of your candle displays are out of reach of Lulu, on shelves or tables that she can't jump onto.
If it is at all possible, your candles should have a glass covering of some kind.
Never leave a candle burning unsupervised.
If you leave the room, blow the candle out.
House Guests Now that your house is puppy-proofed, you puppy needs to be people-proofed.
Lulu loves guests, but sometimes she gets overwhelmed.
This being the case, you should set aside one room to be available to her when she needs her own space.
Make it a comfortable, familiar space that she feels welcome in.
Make sure she has a bed, water, and food.
A toy or two wouldn't hurt either.
If she started to get anxious or aggressive during a gathering, put her in her room so she can relax, and check in on her periodically.
All your bases should be covered then; you and Lulu are set to enjoy the holidays together safely and happily.
As with all things during the holidays, your puppy's safety will keep you on your toes.
Stay vigilant, for yourself, and for her.
Keep Lulu safe.