Holiday Pet Safety Tips

With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner here are some tips to help keep your pet safe during this joyous season. Following these safety tips can help prevent:

• Hang breakable decorations and tinsel well out of paw’s reach. Tinsel, ribbon and ornaments are especially dangerous to pets if chewed and swallowed.
• Place holiday plants out of pet’s reach. Some seasonal plants can be poisonous including mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettias. An unnecessary medical emergency for your pet. Poinsettias, and evergreen trees can all be dangerous if eaten by your pets. The same goes for the water in your Christmas tree.
• Make sure strands of lights, loose wires and extension cords are out of reach. Pets, especially puppies, Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments.
• A Christmas tree should stand on a flat, wide base. Anchoring the tree with a fishing line tied to a drapery or ceiling rod or wall hook can prevent the tree from falling over on your pet.
• Cats often see a Christmas tree as an excellent climbing post. Needles from both artificial and live trees are indigestible.
• No alcohol for your pets during the holidays or EVER
• Chocolate is especially harmful to pets. Some ingredients in chocolate are toxins and can be fatal to animals.
• Ask…No….TELL your guests not to feed your pets or give them alcohol.
• Curiosity killed the cat. Don’t let this happen to your pets. Be sure to keep an eye on candles and fireplaces.
• If you have any food in gift packages, don’t leave it under the tree.
• If you’re traveling with your pets, do what you can to make them comfortable. Bring their favorite blanket, Make sure that your pet will be welcome where you’re going. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and bring any necessary medication. Bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination record and license. If your pet isn’t micro-chipped….
• Keep the number for your veterinarian near your phone in case of emergency.