Processing ....|
Holiday Hazards for your Pets and Family PROTECT YOUR ANIMAL FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
1) Know your pet.
This may sound like common sense, but it’s important. Holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, but how will your furry companion react? Do they become over – excited or stressed with loud noises and large numbers of strangers in the house? Remember, your house is your pet’s “safe place”, and they may not react well when strangers are milling around. It may be a better idea to keep your pets in a separate room during busy family get togethers, or to board them at a kennel. Even the most well behaved dog or cat can act unpredictably when confronted with small children or loud parties.
2) Warn your Guests
If your dog or cat is a social animal, wonderful! Now your job is to keep him or her safe from well-meaning guests. Table scraps, candy, and especially ham, chicken, or turkey bones are a huge danger to your pets. They can cause severe gastric upset, even if they’ve had these items before. Bones can get stuck in the throat or stomach, and surgery to remove them is expensive. Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic to animals, and can cause negative changes in heart rate and rhythm. Your pet could even become comatose. Those fruits in that fruitcake, like raisins or grapes, can cause kidney failure. And the onions in your stuffing cause animals to become anemic. Tell your guests that while giving your furry friend all the love and attention they deserve is perfectly fine, giving them bits of holiday dinner, cookies, or snacks is certainly not. Remember, your guests won’t be there to deal with the consequences.
3) Pet Proof those Decorations!
If you have young children in your home, your house is probably already fairly “pet –proofed”, as well. Here are some things to remember:
- Tinsel is a cat’s favorite toy around the holidays, and even dogs like to eat it. But the strands of tinsel can wrap up inside your pet’s intestinal track, causing a blockage or worse problems. Ribbons around the tree and presents can cause similar problems. “Angel hair” and the fake snow are less dangerous, but can still cause respiratory problems if inhaled, and digestive problems if eaten.
- Keep the breakable ornaments or decorations higher on the tree, where your pets cannot reach. And no matter how funny it is when your cat roosts in the Christmas tree, it still poses a danger. Pine needles are sharp, and can puncture holes in the intestines if swallowed. Also make sure the tree is secured to the wall, to avoid tipping when your dog runs by or startled kitty leaps from the branches.
- The water in your Christmas tree base is not for drinking! Sometimes you may put chemicals in the water to make the tree last longer. These chemicals are not pet and children safe.
- Snow globes by themselves are not a danger, but the liquid inside them is! Make sure they are out of reach for both children and pets, so they don’t get dropped or knocked off a table. The chemicals inside these pretty globes (antifreeze) are very harmful.
- Holiday plants such as mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis are poisonous to pets and children! Keep them away from curious pets and young children, both of which like to put things in their mouths.
- Believe it or not, the wires on the lights you may have put up are a tempting treat for your four legged companions. Protect them with chew barriers, or string them out of reach.
- Candles, obviously, should only be lit when you are home to watch them. Cats especially are drawn to the flickering flame of a candle. If you’re worried about your pets getting burned, don’t take the risk.
A good rule to remember for pet – proofing your home during the holidays is that if you wouldn’t feel safe allowing a young child near it, it’s also not safe for your pets.
4) Traveling to colder Weather?
Just like people, pets used to warm weather all year long will have an adjustment period when traveling into colder climates. Make sure you bring lots of blankets and warm beds, and provide a warm area for them to sleep in comfortably. Do NOT use heating pads, as these can cause burns. Until they get used to the snow, keep walks short, and always walk on a leash. Drivers may have a hard time going around a dog that’s loose on icy roads.
Keeping your home safe will make the holidays more enjoyable and stress free for everyone!
|