| Holiday Safety For Pets | | | | holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful |
| While holiday celebrations are a time of great fun, | | | | flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants |
| popular foods and decorations that make the holidays | | | | we have in our homes during the holidays can be |
| so enjoyable can also be dangerous to animals. | | | | poisonous to pets. NEVER let your pet chew or eat |
| Responsible pet owners need to be aware of these | | | | any of these holiday plants: Holly, Mistletoe, |
| dangers and plan carefully to avoid potential hazards | | | | Poinsettias, Hibiscus. |
| so the holidays remain a happy time of year (rather | | | | So when you brighten up your home, please place |
| than a time for an emergency visit to a vet)! | | | | these plants well out of your pet's reach, or use |
| Dangerous Holiday Foods | | | | imitation holiday plants. |
| Unfortunately, many traditional holiday foods we love | | | | Tree ornaments are another common threat to pets. |
| the most actually pose a threat to pets. Rich, fatty | | | | Shiny, metallic tinsel is almost irresistible to animals. |
| foods like gravy or grease can cause problems | | | | When eaten, the strips can cause blockages in the |
| ranging from upset stomachs to pancreatitis. Alcohol, | | | | digestive system, often requiring surgery to remove. |
| too, should be kept away from animals as it can | | | | So think about leaving tinsel off the tree altogether. |
| cause serious intoxication. Unfortunately, many of the | | | | Small or breakable ornaments can also be swallowed |
| holiday drinks that contain alcohol, such as eggnog, | | | | and cause tummy problems, so place them higher up |
| produce sweet aromas that draw pets. So try to | | | | on a tree and leave the larger, less intriguing |
| pick up and rinse stray cups quickly during holiday | | | | ornaments for placement near the bottom. Some |
| gatherings to avoid any problems. | | | | people also like decorating trees with foods like |
| Chocolate, coffee and tea all contain a compound | | | | gingerbread, popcorn and candy canes. But for pet |
| called xanthine that is dangerous and toxic to animals. | | | | owners, this is just asking for problems. |
| Chocolate is especially a problem because pets love | | | | Gifts Under the Tree |
| its flavor. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark | | | | What sits beneath the tree should be of equal |
| chocolate are the worst culprits; but all chocolate, | | | | concern to pet owners. It's not uncommon for |
| fudge and other candy should be placed out of a | | | | electrical cords to be viewed as chewable by animals. |
| pet's reach. | | | | The results can be a burned mouth, electrical shock, |
| Many people think bones are good for pets. It may | | | | or even electrocution. On the market is a liquid that |
| come as a surprise, however, that not all bones are | | | | can be sprayed on cords to make them less |
| pet friendly. Bones from fish, meat or poultry can | | | | appealing, but pet owners should always unplug |
| cause problems if swallowed. Be sure to keep bones, | | | | decorative lights when they're not there to supervise |
| other than those specifically made for dogs, away | | | | pets around a Christmas tree. |
| from pets. Rawhides and certain toys, as well as | | | | Gifts, too, should be made "pet proof" before being |
| hardened, sterilized bones are much safer | | | | placed under a tree. Make sure to remove ribbons or |
| alternatives. | | | | bows from presents or place them out of reach, as |
| Poisonous Plants | | | | a pet could swallow those items and end up with an |
| Some seasonal holiday plants can also be harmful to | | | | intestinal obstruction requiring surgery to correct. Also |
| pets. Never let a pet chew or eat holly, mistletoe, | | | | be aware that batteries for toys or other gifts can |
| poinsettias or hibiscus plants. If you decide to | | | | be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction in animals. It |
| brighten up your home with these items, make sure | | | | is best to keep batteries in a safe place until they are |
| to place these plants well out of a pet's reach, or opt | | | | ready to be used. |
| for imitation holiday plants. | | | | And finally, when choosing holiday gifts for pets, |
| Christmas Trees | | | | purchase safe items with no small pieces that could |
| While Christmas trees aren't poisonous, they do | | | | come off and be swallowed. Also remember that |
| create a whole other set of hazards for curious | | | | healthy holiday treats are best, and administer those |
| animals. First off, place trees in a stable stand and | | | | treats in moderation. |
| secure them to a window or wall. Pet owners may | | | | The holidays can be a time of great fun and |
| also want to think about using a specially designed | | | | excitement for everyone. With a little planning and by |
| Scat Mat, available at DrsFosterSmith.com, to keep | | | | following these precautions it can be a safe and fun |
| pets away from trees. | | | | time for your pet as well. |
| We all like making our homes more festive for the | | | | |