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With numerous holidays being celebrated from
November through January, many family traditions and rituals include
decorations and lots of new objects for your loving pets to get into.
Following are some Do’s and Don’ts we hope will help keep everyone safe
and merry during the most wonderful time of year.
 1. If a Christmas tree
is a part of your family’s celebrations, beware of all the tantalizing
opportunities it offers your pets. Tree water, shiny objects, hanging
tinsel or blinking lights can be beacons in the night for our four-legged
and winged friends. Placing the tree in an area your pets can’t get to will help to
preserve the beauty of your tree and the health of your little ones. If
not, try to create barriers around the tree and always supervise your pets
when they are near it.
 2. If the Festival
of Lights fills your house, make sure to keep your pets away from your
menorah. A wagging tail or jumping cat can knock over candles and easily
start a fire during your Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebrations.
 3. Scented
candles filling the room with aromas of spices or pine? Not if you have a
pet bird! Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems and scented
candles can cause health problems.
4. Resist the urge to
give your pets table scraps and watch them around your trash cans. Animal
bones from dinner can be a tempting but potentially deadly treat.
5. Other holiday decorations can also pose
a health risk. According to the American Humane Association, “...plants, including holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and
pine needles can hurt your pet’s stomach. Be careful with them, or use the
fake versions as a substitute.”
 6. If you
live in or visit an area that gets snow and ice, make sure to put snow shoes on your dog
before going on a walk. Not only can frostbite occur in paws (read more
about hypothermia and frostbite at
Pets911.com), but salted sidewalks can lead to pad irritation and
dry-out.
7. The cold isn’t
only harmful to dogs; a neighborhood cat might find solace in the warmth
of your parked car engine. If your neighborhood is prone to outdoor or
feral cats, check before you start your car by pounding on the hood or
honking your horn.
8. In the effort to keep pets warm,
sweaters and animal-specific clothing can come in handy. If your pet is
wearing their finest holiday threads, keep an eye on them around open
flames, other animals or children. And as always, dressed-up pets should
be under constant supervision.
 9.
Don’t just put tags on your gifts! As with any other day, your
pets should always wear their collars with ID tags. With many holiday
guests coming and going, it is easy for your furry family member to slip
out a door or gate.
However you choose to celebrate this
holiday season, we hope it will be filled with joy and celebration for
all! Happy Holidays! |
