Keeping Pets Safe at Holiday Time and Every Day

They are our best friends, faithful companions and adorable playmates. We spoil them rotten, talk baby talk to them, buy them presents and marvel at how cute and faithful they are. But what about shielding them from hidden dangers? Take a few minutes to keep your furry friends safe and cozy all year long.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees can present many dangers to household animals. There are electrical currents, pointy branches, tiny ornaments, tinsel and garland. So many temptations for curious mouths to taste.

Last night I plugged in my tree only to find that the lights wouldn't turn on. I grimaced and grunted and tried to find the problem. Finally, I found one of the bulbs on the lower branches was missing. There were also teeth marks on the empty socket. I shuddered at the thought of what could have happened: one of my cats with a new permanent or worse; or an electrical fire while I slept. Thankfully, all was well.

I found the bag of replacement bulbs that I have in my basement and quickly replaced the bulb. I Plugged in the tree, and . . . nothing. So, I got the flashlight and gave the tree a once over. I got down on my belly and checked the outlets behind the tree. Still nothing. Then, finally I spotted the problem. The multi-stranded wire hanging from the lowest strand of lights leading to the (heavy duty) extension cord was half way chewed through.

Oh my gosh! What a scary thought. I have seen so many news stories this year of how quickly Christmas trees can go up in flames. This really scared me.

Unplug It

Today there are those convenient switches to turn your tree on and off. If you have pets, you might not want to use one. Even though you have turned the tree off before you go to bed, there may still be current flowing through the wires. What if one of your pets takes a bite like mine did?

Every night before bed, I unplug the whole string of lights and cords from the wall. This way, I can be sure that there is absolutely no current flowing to lights, extension cords (heavy duty or not) or anything. It's a little bit of a pain in the neck, but very much worth it.

Tinsel or Garland?

If you have pets, the answer may be neither. Cats will surely eat tinsel. It is just too tempting for them. Dogs may do the same. They do not know that it could poison them. They do not know that it will not break down in their digestive systems. They do not know that it could cause serious blockages and cause major health problems. We have to do some thinking for them.

Keep the Ornaments High on the Tree

I know that you want your tree to be picture perfect. So do I. But far more important is the health of my pets. I have moved the light strands up a few branches so that they are no longer much of a temptation. I also have kept all small or bite-sized ornaments high up on the tree. These are such tempting targets for dogs or cats alike, why not just have some peace of mind and keep them out of the way?

I have also put all breakable ornaments up high on the tree so that little paws don't accidentally fling them across the room. First of all, you don't want to lose your favorite decorations. But even more important, you don't want the broken shards to cause any wounds or injuries.

Under the Tree

The favorite spot of just about any cat I have ever had has been nestled in under the tree. Little by little, however, the temptations are added. Packages with lovely bows and ribbons make really good playthings. Shiny packages can be swatted about, etc. With very little effort, bows, ribbons and paper can be dislodged from its original package and become lodged, instead, in your pet. Try to keep these temptations out of their way. It's just not worth the potential danger.

Wrapping and Unwrapping

Try to keep tape and small pieces of wrapping and tissue paper out of reach of your pet. Pets often like to dive about while you are wrapping your gifts and will probably do the same while you are unwrapping them as well. Keep the little pieces out of their range so they do not swallow them.

Candy and Chocolate

Please keep these temptations away from all pets. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Other candy will, at least, give them a belly ache. If you have candy or candy canes on the tree, keep it up high and out of their reach.

Try to Keep to Normal Schedules

One last word about keeping our pets safe during the holidays. Try to keep on schedule. I know you are running around shopping and partying. And so you should be! Enjoy it and have a ball. But please keep in mind that if you are gone for long periods of time, Rover's bladder will be quite full when you get home. This will cause him discomfort and stress. Cocoa will be wondering why her food dish has been empty for so long and may need a drink of fresh water. This will also cause her stress. Try as best as you can to keep some regularity in your daily routine. Your pets will appreciate it.