Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and loved ones - pets included! The noise and bustle of the holidays, however, can be confusing to pets. To help keep your pets safe and happy this holiday season:

Keep holiday decorations and plants out of harm's way.

     Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, for example, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Keep them out of reach or consider using imitations.

No upset stomachs, please!

     Safely store chocolate out of reach - in sufficient quantities, it can make your pet very ill - and ask guests not to sneak tidbits to your pet (unless they get permission from you to spoil your pet, of course!). Rich foods such as gravy may cause your pet to get an upset tummy.

Decorate with your pet in mind:

     - Consider an alternative to tinsel. Tinsel is pretty but if swallowed, can result in an emergency trip to the vet due to intestinal blockage.

     - Does your pet like to chew? Tie extension cords out of harm's way or encase them in a plastic tubing to protect your pet from an unwanted shock.

     - If you dress up your pet for the holidays, ensure any elastics, safety pins, or fasteners are properly secured. Make sure they're all removed with the costume to prevent your pet from licking / swallowing these items.

Watch the door!

     Notify your guests that there are pets in the home so that they do not let them escape out the door. If people are constantly coming and going, consider placing your pet in a secure area with food, water, treats, and a comfy bed. This will help to prevent him from inadvertantly escaping - even the calmest dog can get confused or frightened if there is a lot of activity or new people, sights, and sounds.

     If your pet does not enjoy noise or meeting new people, this would be a great time to set up a quiet, private area for her until the party's over. Make sure you check in on her once in a while and give her plenty of love! .