The "end of the year" holidays can present some particular hazards to the health of your pet, and consequently to your peace of mind. The following are some ways to make sure your pet is healthy and safe throughout the holidays.
Make sure you check your vet's holiday hours and emergency contacts and have the information easily accessible.
Think before you decorate with plants. Cats, dogs and birds will all nibble household plants, and many, including mistletoe and some poinsettias, can make your pet very ill. Make sure your holiday plants are out of your pet's reach.
The same is true if you have a Christmas tree. You should put only unbreakable decorations at the bottom of your tree, so there is no danger of your cat's batting a glass ball and breaking it, or your dog chewing on one of your special ornaments or more dangerously a glass ornament.
Cats love to climb tress, make sure that your Christmas tree is securely in it's stand and if at all possible try and keep the cat out of the room where the tree is. I know that's not easy, but it is better than having your cat knocking down the tree.
Another oft-forgotten item: if you have a live tree in water, wrap the base so your pets can't decide to take a drink of that water and keep the birds away from the tree. Many modern live trees have been sprayed with chemicals that may be toxic to your pets.
Be very, very careful about candles. Your cat or bird may be enticed by the flicker of the flame, and may singe his whiskers or tail. Place glass "hurricane lanterns" or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets.
Think ahead to New Years Eve, and plan how to keep your pets from becoming frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noise makers. Some dogs may be severely traumatized by fireworks, be sure to leave them inside if you go out to celebrate.
Pets, especially cats, may be stressed by the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are stressed yourself. Some cats and dogs respond to stress by becoming hyper or hysterical, and some simply retreat. Plan to spend some special time with your pets to calm yourself and reassure them during this period, and if your pet is especially upset with strangers visiting, prepare a "refuge" he can go to and escape the crowd.
Happy Holidays!
The following is a list of refrences for your review:
Super Cool Pets Holiday Gift Guide Update-- 2007 | SuperCoolPets.com - Supe..
PetSmart(R) Experts Speak: 2007's Top Holiday Gifts for Pets Revealed ..
The Dog-Trainers.us Business Weblog » Blog Archive » Healthy..
10 Holiday Tips for Your Pets | Pets Are Family Too
Holiday Gift for Pet | Dog Health Care by Dog Health Enthusiast Brigitte Sm..
It's a wonderful dog's (and cat's) life; owners pamper pets with holiday gi..
Holidays, fun and pets. : Mad Goat Lady
Puppy•In•Training » Puppy Adoption - A Home for the Holidays
How to Pet-Proof Your Holidays - Busy Moms Online
Christmas is going to the cats! | Pop Art Pet Unleashed
Thursday, December 6, 2007
How To Keep Your Pet Safe Through The Holidays
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2 comments:
Thank you for including my blog on the list. Much appreciated :)
I'm going to forward this list to my mother. Her cat chewed on one of her glass ornaments. Luckily he wasn't hurt.
I appreciate the link to my blog. I actually found your blog from the link you posted.
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