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