Pets and Holiday Safety

Anna & Coby in the holiday spirit

The Holidays are a very busy time of year.  The following list has some suggestions I learned from the Humane Society on how to make a safer holiday season for your pet: Decorations:Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are festive, beautiful and POISONOUS to pets. Once ingested, they can all cause severe intestinal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system disorders. If you include them in your holiday decor, please make sure they are kept out of the reach of your companion animals.Keep lighted candles away from your pet.Christmas Trees:Make sure your tree is anchored in a sturdy base so that it can't be easily tipped over. If ingested, tree needles can cause injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Vacuum frequently. Beware of Broken or splintered glass ornaments. Avoid tinsel if at all possible. Should your pet swallow it, it could become ill.

Electrical cords for tree lights can be perceived as an attractive chew toy and result in a powerful shock. Cords can also become tangled around a pet which could cause a tree to fall over on them or worse yet, create an electrical short or fire. Secure them well out of hams way.

Do not leave wrapped food gifts under the tree. Wrapping paper and bows can also cause problems if swallowed. Put them out of reach if your pets are inclined to tear into packages.Diets:
The key to keeping your pet healthy is to maintain a consistent diet. Do not give your companion animal a "treat" of holiday leftovers. Unaccustomed food in your pet's diet can trigger digestive problems.
Do not give your companion animal a bone. They can splinter when chewed and eventually puncture the intestinal tract. Bones purchased in grocery and pet stores are a safe substitute.
Never give your pet chocolate. It is highly toxic to animals -- causing stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhea.House Guests:Guests can be stressful for a companion animal unaccustomed to a house full of people. Time alone with familiar toys and blankets can prevent your pet from getting nervous around visitors. Unfamiliar faces can turn normally docile animals into aggressive ones.

Happy Holidays

House Calls 4 Pet

House Calls Happy Pet Pictures