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Pet Safety For the Upcoming Holidays
Pet Safety For the Upcoming Holidays
With Christmas coming, use these tips to make sure you
don't create a hazardous environment for your dog.
by Bradley Wallace
November 10, 2004
Be sure to make this upcoming holiday season safe and enjoyable
for everyone in your family by observing the following pet
safety tips:
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If you have a live Christmas tree, keep the water stand
covered. Pine sap mixed with water makes a poisonous drink
for your pet. The smell of a live or artificial tree may
cause your pet to urine-mark it. It may help to bring
the tree into an isolated indoor room for a day or so,
so that it smells more like "home."
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Pick up any ornament hooks, tinsel or ribbon that fall
on the floor. Your pet could experience serious internal
injuries if it ingests any of these items. Tinsel is especially
lethal and should be avoided when ever possible.
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If you have a cat that is tempted to play with the ornaments
on your tree, decorate the bottom third of the tree with
non-breakable, plastic or wooden ornaments, or decorate
only the top two-thirds of your tree.
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Keep holiday treats and candies out of your pet's reach.
Additionally, remember wrapped gifts under your tree that
may be food items. People food, especially in excess,
can make your pet sick. Chocolate, onions, raisins and
alcohol can be fatal to dogs!
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Secure Christmas trees to a wall or ceiling hook with
sturdy fishing line. This will help prevent the tree from
toppling over should your pet jump on it or accidentally
knock it over.
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If you have indoor holiday lights, be sure they don't
hang so low that your pet could become entangled in them.
Remember to unplug the lights when you're not home to
supervise your pet.
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If you have a bird, make sure it is safely in its cage
if you're lighting any candles. Additionally, lit candles
should be kept out of any pet's reach, perhaps high on
a counter or table.
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Poinsettias, mistletoe berries and some other plants
and other popular holiday flowers can cause serious stomach
upset for pets. Check with your veterinarian or local
poison control center to find out what holiday plants
and flowers you need to keep out of your pet's reach.
You can also check the Online Pet Encyclopedia at http://www.canadianpetcare.com/encyclopedia.html
and look under Pet Health for a list of common plants
that can be harmful to pets.
As always if you are not sure about possible hazards for
your pets, always practice safety first, and when in doubt
ask.
- Bradley Wallace
Bradley Wallace is author and editor for CanadianPetCare.com.
Their site provides one of the most comprehensive online
locations dedicated to assisting pet owners with daily pet
care. CanadianPetCare.com's goal is to continuously enhance
your pet's life and your pet care abilities. Visit the site
http://www.canadianpetcare.com
get your free pet care newsletter and learn more about overall
Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Behavior, Training Pets, Pet Breeds
and much more.
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