Holiday Pet Safety Tips 2009
Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest Pets are those who are have a chance for lots of activity but are kept closest to their family inside.
Holiday lights – Don’t forget cords connected to lights are a tempting chew-toy for any kitten or puppy. Please secure or cover them to prevent shocks or burns.
Holiday decorations - Tinsel, ribbon and string are dangerous for Pets because they can become entwined in the intestinal tract. Also, keep lit candles far from wagging tails.
Christmas trees – If you have a lovable, large-breed dog, you can expect he and your Christmas tree will collide – and the tree will lose. Make sure your tree is well secured by anchoring its top to a wall using a strong cord.
Mistletoe, holly, pine needles, and other tasty delights – Although you would never pop these into your mouth, your dog or cat may. Keep these plants and decorations out of reach, or spray them with botanical Pet repellent available at PetSmart® stores.
Poinsettias – It’s a common holiday belief that poinsettias are toxic. Pets may get a stomachache from eating a few leaves, but they would need to eat a very large amount for it to be toxic.
People food – Your dog may beg for leftovers from the holiday turkey, but it’s best for their health if you don’t give in. Table scraps covered in rich gravy and fatty poultry skin can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Instead, try a turkey rawhide or a treat made just for them.
Holiday goodies – There are many unhealthy foods that tempt Pets during the holidays. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to Pets. Dark, semi-sweet or Baker's chocolate are the most dangerous. Packaging can cause choking or intestinal blockage. Foil wrappers can become as dangerous as razors when swallowed. *If you suspect your Pet has eaten something poisonous, call your Banfield or local emergency hospital immediately.
Pet Escapes- Pet escapes seem to rise during this time of year when Pets may become frightened by changes in routine and activity, and overwhelmed by friends and family by the house for holiday visits. Remember to keep an eye on the entrances and exits of your home in order to keep your Pets from escaping. Get your friend an early gift-a new properly fitting collar with ID tags.
Adequate Shelter-Remember that Pets need shelter from wind and rain/snow when the temperatures drop during the holiday season. Old or chronically ill Pets may have more difficulty during cold weather. For Pets living or spending long periods of time outdoors, may need to increase amount of food fed since it takes extra calories to stay warm. They can damage their paws on icy surfaces.
Icy Conditions-Ice can freeze their drinking containers so make sure your Pets have access to fresh water.
Holiday lights – Don’t forget cords connected to lights are a tempting chew-toy for any kitten or puppy. Please secure or cover them to prevent shocks or burns.
Holiday decorations - Tinsel, ribbon and string are dangerous for Pets because they can become entwined in the intestinal tract. Also, keep lit candles far from wagging tails.
Christmas trees – If you have a lovable, large-breed dog, you can expect he and your Christmas tree will collide – and the tree will lose. Make sure your tree is well secured by anchoring its top to a wall using a strong cord.
Mistletoe, holly, pine needles, and other tasty delights – Although you would never pop these into your mouth, your dog or cat may. Keep these plants and decorations out of reach, or spray them with botanical Pet repellent available at PetSmart® stores.
Poinsettias – It’s a common holiday belief that poinsettias are toxic. Pets may get a stomachache from eating a few leaves, but they would need to eat a very large amount for it to be toxic.
People food – Your dog may beg for leftovers from the holiday turkey, but it’s best for their health if you don’t give in. Table scraps covered in rich gravy and fatty poultry skin can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Instead, try a turkey rawhide or a treat made just for them.
Holiday goodies – There are many unhealthy foods that tempt Pets during the holidays. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to Pets. Dark, semi-sweet or Baker's chocolate are the most dangerous. Packaging can cause choking or intestinal blockage. Foil wrappers can become as dangerous as razors when swallowed. *If you suspect your Pet has eaten something poisonous, call your Banfield or local emergency hospital immediately.
Pet Escapes- Pet escapes seem to rise during this time of year when Pets may become frightened by changes in routine and activity, and overwhelmed by friends and family by the house for holiday visits. Remember to keep an eye on the entrances and exits of your home in order to keep your Pets from escaping. Get your friend an early gift-a new properly fitting collar with ID tags.
Adequate Shelter-Remember that Pets need shelter from wind and rain/snow when the temperatures drop during the holiday season. Old or chronically ill Pets may have more difficulty during cold weather. For Pets living or spending long periods of time outdoors, may need to increase amount of food fed since it takes extra calories to stay warm. They can damage their paws on icy surfaces.
Icy Conditions-Ice can freeze their drinking containers so make sure your Pets have access to fresh water.
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