It’s that time of year again!  As you get ready to celebrate the holidays, keep in mind that some of our a lot of cherished holiday traditions can be hazardous for our pets.  The ASPCA uses the following holiday safety tips:

Try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. and be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and hazardous decorations:

O Christmas Tree

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t idea and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also stop the tree water-which may consist of fertilizers that can cause stomach upset-from spilling. stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea must he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. but a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries

By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to safe the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy

Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? choose gifts that are safe.  Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. stick with chew toys that are generally indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are created to be safely digestible. 

Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, typically necessitating surgery. surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer-and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. and lots of varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. select just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the LeftoversFatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, must not be fed to your furry friends. pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills. 

That holiday Glow

Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use proper candle holders, placed on a stable surface. and if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up

Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

House RulesIf your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel complimentary to start a great play or petting session.

 Put the Meds AwayMake sure all of your medications are locked behind safe doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too. 

Careful with Cocktails

If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A room of Their Own

Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to-complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year’s Noise

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, maybe necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

The conscious Cat
wishes you and your furry family members
a  happy and safe holiday season!

Ingrid King

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5 comments on holiday safety ideas for Your Pets

Carol says:

December 2, 2011 at 10:31 am

Thank you for all the ideas on keeping cats safe during holidays.I have a very energetic trouble seeker cat. I will be surnull