Having A Safe Holiday With Your Pet

Isn't it wonderful to put up a beautiful tree, decorate it with ornaments, lights, and tinsel? Isn't it fun to place gifts under the tree and watch the pile grow as Christmas day draws near? Of course it is, but it's as equally interesting to your pet. Now there are new smells, more fun toys and, oh boy, packages that can be played with for hours! Unfortunately, many of the new "toys" can be hazardous to your pet.

The Christmas Tree

If you have an unusually curious pet, it is best to gate them in a safe area away from the tree if you are not there to supervise. A curious cat or dog can easily bring the tree down with a few jumps or pulls on a branch and you will not only have a mess to clean up but your pet may end up being cut by broken ornaments or even receive an electric shock from the string of lights. Some pets may even chew on the tinsel or ornaments which can lead to gastric problems or even death from toxicity. Even a small tree on top of a table can prove to be harmful to a cat that likes to jump up and play around with the tree. Supervising your pet during this holiday season will ensure a happy one.

Cookies, Candy, and Chocolate

Who doesn't love giving and receiving goodies during this season? I remember our neighbor, every year, would give our family a box of Russell Stoffer chocolates and my mom would place the box under the tree. That is a huge mistake for pet owners. Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and cats when eaten in large quantities. If your pet gets the Stoffers while you are out, he may consume more than he can handle and you'll have either a very sick pet upon your return, or he may possibly die. If you find yourself facing this situation, call the vet immediately. Cookies and candy are not the healthiest items for humans to eat, but imagine an animal that is about 1/10th your size. One cookie to him is like you eating a dozen. It is especially important to remember this if you have a child that "loves" to feed the family pet whatever he/she has not eaten. Dogs love to follow children around because they can snatch food out of their hands rather quickly and enjoy a "stolen" treat. Always be mindful of the goodies.

Friends and Family

During this season friends and family come to visit for holiday parties, dinners, and to deliver gifts. If you know you are going to have a group of people over, make a "safe" place in the house for your pet. By removing the pet from the party area, you can be assured that he will not be fed something he shouldn't have, nor will you need to worry about a possible "biting" incident. If you have a crate, set it up in a room that your pet is comfortable being in, and place him in there during the party. He will probably curl up and go to sleep. If you do let your pet wonder, cordially request that your guests not feed your pet. There is nothing wrong with giving some basic rules on how to handle the family pet and your guests will respect you and be more at ease around your pet when they know your expectations. Little children and pets are like magnets and can also be a poor combination. A simple yank of the tail or ear and the pet may scratch or bite. Again, if you know there are going to be small children and you can not properly supervise your pet with the child, remove the pet to a safe, quiet area. Always remember that you are the owner and you need to set the stage for a happy holiday for your pet.

I do recommend the Critter Cord which can be purchased through Amazon.com. It's not only great to use during the holiday season, but year round as well.

Beth has been a dog enthusiast for years and enjoys researching and studying canine health [http://www.hope-for-dogs.blogspot.com] and related issues.

Holiday Pet Dangers

Planning for the holidays should always include planning for your pet's safety during the holidays and into the New Year. It is always disappointing to hear of a friend's pet suffering illness or death during the holiday season. However, it is a story that we hear every season. Frequently, the full story often leads to the probable cause of the problem. These causes can quickly be identified as people, food, plants, medications and holiday clutter. Let us take a closer look at each.

People:
One of the hardest dangers to control during the holidays is guest and visitors, the uninitiated, the non-pet owner. It is particularly tempting for a visitor to give that lovable pet candy, chocolates, nuts and a host of foods not suitable for pets.

How to protect your pet during the holidays? Explain to your guest that many human foods are dangerous to pets. Ask them not to give the pets any human foods.

Another problem is when guests arrive with children. Some pets may not appreciate the increased attention. It would be best to put the pet in another room and use a barrier gate to separate the pet and child. Always, when pets and children are together remove the food bowls to prevent any chance of aggressive behavior by the pet.

When inviting quests that have pets make sure that they plan to board their pet before arriving, avoiding any conflict between the pets. Pets do not always welcome "intruders" in the home. Older pets may not appreciate the lively attention from a younger animal.

Foods:
The items that top the list are chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, raw/undercooked meat, eggs, and bones, xylitol (an artificial sweetener used in gum, candy, and toothpaste), onions, garlic, chives, milk and salt. While all of these are not deadly, they can make your pet's holiday season miserable.

Plants:
Some houseplants considered toxic to pets are Caladiums, Castor Bean, Dumbcane, Elephant Ear, Holly (berries), Hyacinth, Philodendron, Mistletoe, Lantana, Poinsettia, and Rosary Pea.

Some other houseplants considered mildly dangerous to pets are Ficus, Snake Plant, Schefflera, Croton, Jade, Aloe Vera, Dieffenbachia, Poinsettia, Pothos, Corn Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Peace Lily, and Antherium. These plants can cause mouth and throat irritation. Moderately toxic plants like the Norfolk Pine and Ivy can produce the above symptoms and could cause vomiting, depression, pale gums, and low body temperature.

Always investigate whether or not a plant will safe for your pet before introducing it into your home. This would be an excellent time to take inventory of your houseplants and do a little research to verify their safety.

Medications:
The basic rule with medications is the same as with small children, keep them stored up and well out of reach. Spilled medicines should immediately be picked-up. Many over-the-counter medications are deadly to pets.

Christmas wrap, decorations, and clutter:
Christmas brings a lot of joy and celebration, but many of the trappings associated with the season can be a danger to your pet. Some of these items are tinsel, ribbon, ornament hooks, staples from bows, tape, candy wrappers, gift wrap, small batteries, tree water, and small parts from toys.

These items can be choking hazards, others, if swallowed can lead to blockage or damage to the gastrointestinal track, anxious moments, and expensive vet bills. So plan ahead and have a large trash bin handy on Christmas morning for all the garbage.

Other:
Remember to check the garage, making sure that all hazardous chemicals and items are fully out of the reach of your pet and any small children that may be visiting during the holidays. Also, purchase heavy-duty extension cords with the thicker insulation to provide more protection for the pet and home.

If a pet has ingested something poisonous immediately call your local veterinarian or emergency center. A vital phone number to have available is the ASPCA Poison Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Additional information on toxic substances and hazards is available from the Humane Society and ASPCA.

John Donald Moore "Don" has worked in the retail sales and customer service industry for over 30 years.