Vet Tip Tuesday: Christmas Pet Tips With the Christmas holiday just around the corner, there are a few things to consider when keeping your pet(s) safe during the holiday celebration! Be sure to refer to our previous vet tip concerning Thanksgiving dinner to remember the foods and spices to keep your pet(s) from eating. Plants: Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, amaryllis and hibiscus can all be harmful to your pet(s). Keep them out of the reach of your pet(s). Better yet, use artificial plants. Christmas tree: Make sure the tree is firmly anchored so it cannot be knocked over. Many people use fishing line attached to the wall or ceiling. Use pet friendly ornaments that are unbreakable. Tinsel icicles, angel hair, and flocking are best not used at all to prevent linear foreign bodies. Do not let your pet(s) drink the tree water. Often, the tree has been treated with some sort of preservatives, insecticides, and flame retardants, which leak into the water. The water is also full of pine needles, which are indigestible. After a few days, the water becomes full of bacteria which may be unhealthy. Decorating your tree with food is asking for trouble. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be very enticing to pets. Stringing popcorn or cranberries is pretty and the food itself may not be too harmful, but the string may seriously injure your pet(s). Same goes for ribbons on or under the tree. Watch for signs of chewing on any parts of the tree, even if it is artificial. Be especially careful with the lights and their cords. Visitors: Be mindful of your pet(s) when you have holiday guests. Some pets handle it all in stride; some are very upset or scared by all of the commotion. You may need to have a quiet room away from it all for them. Also consider your guests. Maybe they are not pet people or are allergic; keeping your pet(s) away may be the best idea. Toys and treats: We all want to get our pet(s) a Christmas toy; be sure it is safely made and monitor them with it for any signs of a problem. Pick healthy and safe treats to eat and do not let them overindulge. Best tip: Do not forget to relax and spend some quality time enjoying your pet(s) and remembering how special they are. They will think that is the best gift of all! Have a safe and merry Christmas, everyone!
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:05:07 +0000
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