Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

The holiday season is an exciting time, but it can also be a dangerous time for pets. It is important to keep your dogs and cats in mind when celebrating the holidays. Many things that you may have never even thought of can harm your pets. The following are safety tips on keeping your pet healthy during the holiday season:

• Poinsettias are popular Christmas time plants. These plants can be very toxic for animals. Other toxic plants include ivy, mistletoe, holly, lilies, hibiscus, and Christmas greens. It is important to keep these plants out of your pets' reach.

• Candles are festive during the holidays. However, animals are attracted to the bright lights. It is best to keep all candles up high, where pets cannot reach them. Candles should always be kept under supervision.

• Pets love trees. Cats enjoy climbing them, and dogs love chewing them. To prevent ingestion or tree tipping, it is important to keep the tree in a secure spot.

• Ornaments, ribbons, tinsel, and bows should all be kept out of pets' reach. These objects can be dangerous if ingested. It is a good idea to put ornaments and other decorative objects up high on the tree.

• The holidays can be a time of coming and going guests. Make sure your pets have updated ID tags and be sure to keep an eye on them with the guests.

• It is fun to celebrate the holidays with your pets, but be sure to do so in a way that is healthy for them. Do not give table scraps, for they can cause numerous medical problems. Bones from meats are also dangerous, for they can cause choking and bowel perforation. Also, do not give pets any chocolate, for chocolate can be toxic to animals.

• While dogs still need to go outside during the cold weather, it is important to be aware of extremely cold weather. Do not leave your pets out for long periods of time in freezing weather. Dogs may benefit form wearing booties to protect their sensitive paws. Also, make sure they have water outside that is not frozen.

• Cats love jumping on kitchen counters. When cooking, be sure you keep an eye on your pets. They can walk on a stove without even knowing it is turned on. Also, I'm sure your guests will appreciate you keeping the cat hair out of the food.

Have fun this holiday and keep your pets safe!