Christmas & Hanukkah Pet Safety
The holidays can be very dangerous for a pet. Dogs and cats are curios and will want to check out all the new decorations, gifts, people, and food. There is a way to keep them safe. Here are some tips to helping keep them safe.
1) Watch and alert your guests. Many guests may not know what is safe for your pet and what is not. Do not let them feed your pets. Baby gates can be used to block off a pet area. This will keep them from getting injured or ingesting something they should not have. Also supplying a treat or toy can keep your pet occupied.
2) Do not put edible presents under the tree. Dogs and cats have a great sense of smell. Make sure to put these gifts up and out of the way of pets. Not only may the gift be harmful if ingested, but the wrapping paper and tape can also be harmful.
3) Do not give your pet human food, especially bones. Bones and other human food can cause serious illness or death in your pet. Bones can splinter or get stuck in your pet’s throat. Other foods can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
4) Be careful with wrapping paper and supplies. Heavily dyed papers can cause poisoning. Foil wrapping paper will stay in the stomach and require surgery to remove. Tape and all paper types can cause serious illness including obstructions that may require surgery.
5) Be careful when using cords and lights. All electrical cords and Christmas lights should be kept where pets can not get to them. Chewing on cords not only pose a electrocution hazard to your pet, but a fire hazard to your home.
6) Do not hang decorations too low. Decorations that are too low may be knocked down, broken, or chewed on.
7) Be careful with new toys and treats. Make sure that new toys and treats are the appropriate size for your pet. Supervise your pet when using these new toys and treats.
Other holiday hazards and tips.
· Do not use edible decorations.
· Dangerous foods include: chocolate, coffee, onions, fatty foods, alcohol, cooked bones, grapes, raisins, nuts, garlic, salt, and candy.
· Poisonous holiday plants include: Holly, Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Lilies, Christmas rose, etc.
· Pine needles can cause a problem if ingested.
· Unsure trees and decorations can topple or get knocked over by curious pets.
· Christmas tree water can be toxic.
· Candles, Menorahs, and liquid potpourri can be harmful if knocked over or ingested.
· Tinsel, ribbons, and garland can cause sickness and obstructions.
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