Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

We are now in that time of year when many Americans are focused on family and friends. The Yuletide holidays, and the joys that they bring, bring about many changes in our day to day lives. Some of these can be detrimental to our pets.

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets:

· New Year's is a celebration for all. Be aware of any pet hazards such as fun noise-makers and confetti which can pose a serious threat to your pets' sense of well-being and health. Noise-makers can frighten your pet causing the pet to bolt out an open door window, or leap to a precarious area in search of safety. Confetti can be ingested, wreaking havoc to the digestive tract.

· Don't leave the candies out - most animals love the sweet taste, especially chocolate. Chocolate is often fatal to animals, especially cats, if consumed in a large quantity and/or over a period of time.

· Plants and Flowers – Many decorative plants (such as mistletoe and Poinsettia’s) can be harmful or fatal to your pet. See our list of Toxic Plants.

· Guests - Holiday treats like alcoholic beverages and rich, fatty food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic to pets. Remember to caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."

· Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire hazards.

· Decorations -should be carefully placed so that the pets can't pull or scratch off any small pieces to swallow.

· BONES ARE DANGEROUS – Make sure your guests plates are out of reach. Poultry bones splinter easily - each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and sometimes death.

· Activities - Increased activity and visitors during the winter holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets plenty of love.

· Please do not use angelhair (spun glass) - low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Artificial snow and snow flock also has low toxicity - dry particles are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if spayed directly in the mouth.

· Hang your ornaments high on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, resin-cast or the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful ornaments. Tinsel isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems...please don't use.

· Fireplace Colors (fire salts) are breath-taking on a cold winter's evening, but they can be toxic. Generally moderate toxicity; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.

· Gift ribbons and bows – Keep them out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.