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Pet-Friendly Holiday
December 1, 2007
Here’s to a Happy and safe pet friendly holiday.
Let’s help keep “Fido” and “Smokey” out of trouble and have
a pet friendly holiday season. While we’re busy decorating
and baking in anticipation of the up coming holidays, our
furry friends’ curiosity can lead them into trouble. It is
very important that we keep a watchful eye on our family
pets. Let’s make this a Happy and Pet-Friendly Holiday!!
Many of us will be putting up a tree or bringing in many of
the beautiful flowering plants into our home as a part of
our holiday celebration. Pay very close attention to your
pets, they can become very ill from eating plants like
poinsettias and mistletoe. Also, if you have a tree in your
house, be sure to keep your pets from drinking from the
base. Provide plenty of fresh water for them elsewhere in
the house and if necessary, find a tree stand with a cover.
Your pets’ first instinct when surrounded by new objects
may be to try them out for taste. Remember, many holiday
items pose a threat to your pets – from ribbons and
ornaments and hooks to holiday goodies. Keep the lowest
branches of the tree free of ornaments so there’s less risk
of them batting and breaking them. Keep and electrical
cords for holiday lights out of reach. Our beautifully
wrapped gifts can become a hazard to our pets. Keep an eye
on ribbons, if a pet does ingest the ribbon or string it
could wrap itself around their intestine, causing a
dangerous medical situation.
It may be tempting to share your holiday baking with your
pets, but resist the temptation. Sugar is not good for
animals and pets can choke on hard candies, or the tinfoil
or cellophane wrappers. The tinfoil can cut a pet’s mouth
or if swallowed, cut their intestines. Chocolate a holiday
favorite is among the most dangerous food items for cats &
dogs. A 20# dog that eats a pound of chocolate can suffer
seizures and even die. Remind your guests that “Fido” has
his own special holiday treats and keep a container of
their pet treats handy, when the urge to share treat them
with their own.
A curious cat or canine combined with candles can quickly
create a hot situation. As much as possible kept lit
candles and recently extinguished one filled with hot wax –
out of your pets’ reach.
Make sure your pet has a collar with a current ID tag.
Consider micro-chipping your pet. If they escape the I.D.
will make returning them to you easier.
Just remember while all of your friends who enter your
house will be thrilled and filled with holiday cheer, your
pets could get into trouble when suddenly surrounded by the
sparkly and sweet smelling decorations and treats. In
general, pay extra attention to your pets during the
holidays. Your love and a watchful eye are the best
presents you can give them
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