Christmas Holiday Safety Tips
The weather outside is getting colder and the days are getting
even shorter, and that can only mean one thing…the holidays
are approaching! The following is a list of safety tips that pet
owners should bear in mind:
Have you gotten your Christmas tree yet? Keep your tree secure
and steady on a heavy base. A curious cat or dog may jump onto the
tree and you do not want it to fall over and hurt your pet. Be sure
that your pet does not have access to the water. The water can be
a breeding ground for bacteria and/or may have fertilizers from
the tree in it, which could cause an upset belly for your furry
friend, so try to keep it covered with a tree skirt. In addition,
the lower branches can be quite enticing to playful paws, especially
when decorated with hanging ornaments and/or tinsel. Keep an eye
on your pet when he is in the room with your tree and try not to
leave him in the room unattended.
As the holidays approach, your schedule may become quite full with
parties, shopping, visiting guests and the like. Try to remember
that your pet is a creature of habit, and please strive to maintain
their feeding/walking/playtime schedule. Disruptions could cause
digestive upset or stress.
Speaking of digestive upset, even if you over-indulge in holiday
treats and meals, this does not mean you need to share with your
pet. This includes chocolate, alcohol, bones, and any spoiled food.
And remember, not all human food is appropriate for your pet. Check
with your vet if you have any questions regarding whether your leftovers
can go into Fido’s bowl. (Or better yet, don’t put them
there at all!)
Many of you with children will “child proof” your holiday
decorations. Please do the same with regards to your pet. Many plants
including poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries and ivy are toxic
and can be fatal if ingested by your pet. Tinsel, glass (ornaments)
and candles can also be deadly if swallowed. If you have pets in
your home, you may want to rethink decorating with strands of popcorn
or cranberries. (I know my two dogs would jump through hoops and
up mountains for some popcorn!!) Avoid any problems by simply not
decorating with some of these items, or keep them out of your pet’s
reach! And when decorating with strands of lights, keep all wires
secure and taped down (or hid) where possible. Cats do love wires!!
Lastly, as always, keep your pet’s mental health in mind.
Often pets will become stressed when surrounded by crowds of people.
If you are celebrating the holidays with a house full of guests,
keep your pet in a room with plenty of water and some soft music
in the background. Shut the door and ask your guests to refrain
from opening or knocking on the door.
I wish you and your families (both two and four legged) a happy
and safe holiday season. Enjoy!!
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