Holiday Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe

The American Humane Association, the oldest national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals, recently published some pet tips to help make sure that your animal friends stay safe this holiday season. Following these simple guidelines should help your pet enjoy the season's festivities as much as you do.

1.Give them your love, not your dough: Everyone loves to give table scraps to their pets, especially when those pets are dogs. You have to be careful though, because some items, such as bread dough, can cause problems for your pet. Stick to the basics that you treat your pet with all year long, and be careful with special holiday treats.

2. If they like toilet water, they'll probably like tree water: Keep your pets away from the Christmas tree water. It may not be safe for them. Your best bet is to use a tree stand specifically designed to keep your pets out of the water.

3. More temptation lies in the tree: Your pets may not be able to resist the many lights and ornaments. After all, your tree and decorations offer a new and exciting place for your pet to play. Be sure to put the most valuable and most fragile decorations out of reach of your cat or dog.

4. In addition to poinsettias: Other 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.

5. Knock on the car hood to see if someone is home: Sometimes animals seek out car engines for warmth when it is cold outside. Hit the hood a few times or blow your car's horn before starting the engine.

6. Staying warm requires extra calories: Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, but when the temperature begins to cool it may be necessary to give your pet more calories for more energy to keep warm.

7. Ice, snow and salt: Sidewalks salted to help control icing can be harmful to your pet. Be sure to clean your pet's paws after outside jaunts to help keep them healthy.

8. Don't forget your feathered friends: If you have a pet bird, be especially careful when doing extra holiday cleaning. Fumes from carpet shampoo, furniture polish and oven cleaner can harm your bird or even be fatal if inhaled. Move your bird to an area not being cleaned or open windows for ventilation.

9. Just because it's cold doesn't mean they can't catch a bug: Keep your pet's medications current, especially heartworm and flea and tick medicine. Just because it gets cold doesn't mean the threat from mosquitoes and other bugs just goes away.

Everyone wants their pet to have a safe and happy holiday season, just like people. Follow these simple guidelines or consult the American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org for more information.