Mocha Sat Beside the Cocoa Mug and Tried to Look Innocent
Close to the edge of the wooden coffee table, the shaggy chocolate-brown dog sits with his head turned to the side, politely not looking at the steaming mug of cocoa. Marshmallows bob on top, and a little curl of steam rises into the warm air. Behind him, a small tree twinkles in the window, a garland glows along the mantel, and a folded green blanket waits on the sofa for a long winter evening.
Hot cocoa is a holiday treat that dogs should skip. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can't process well, and it can make them seriously ill. Darker chocolate is worse, but it's best to keep all of it out of reach, including cocoa, cookies, and candy. Marshmallows can also contain sweeteners that aren't good for pets. If your dog drinks or eats chocolate, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
Havanese are cheerful, social dogs with silky coats and a clownish streak, and they generally love being in the middle of family gatherings. They're also clever, so a mug left on a low table may be more tempting than you'd think. A safe alternative, like a dog-friendly chew or a bit of plain cooked chicken, lets him join the fun without risk.
We'll call him Mocha. He's being very good for now, but his nose has made its own plans.
