A Pet's View / December 2008-January 2009
Your Pet's Safety Through the Holidays
With many holidays being celebrated in the November through January, family traditions and rituals lead to decorations, and lots of new objects for your loving pets to get their teeth into. Following are Pets911.com's "Holiday Do's and Don'ts". We hope these tips will help keep everyone safe and merry during the most wonderful time of year.
1. If a Christmas tree is a part of our families' celebrations, beware of all the tantalizing opportunities it can bring for your pets. Tree water, shiny objects, hanging tinsel or blinking lights can be beckons in the night for our four legged friends. Placing the tree in an area your pets can't get to will help to preserve the beauty of your tree and the health of your little ones. If not, try to create barriers around the tree and always supervise your pets when they are near it.
2. If the Festival of Lights fills your house, make sure to keep your pets away from your menorah. A waging tail or jumping cat can knock over candles and easily start a fire during your Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebrations.
3. Just like other holidays, resist the urge to give your pets table scraps and watch them around your trash cans. Animal bones from dinner can be a tempting but potentially deadly treat.
4. Other holiday decorations can also pose a health risk. According to the American Humane Association, "In addition to poinsettias: Other plants, including holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and pine needles can hurt your pet's stomach. Be careful with them, or use the fake versions as a substitute."
5. If you live in a part of the nation that enjoys a "White Christmas", make sure to put snow shoes on your dog before going on a walk. Not only can frostbite occur in paws (read more about hypothermia and frostbite at Pets911.com), but salted sidewalks can lead to pad irritation and dry out.
6. The cold isn't only harmful to dogs; a neighborhood cat might find solace in the warmth of your parked car engine. If your neighborhood is prone to outdoor or feral cats, check before you start your car by pounding on the hood or honking your horn.
7. In the effort to keep pets warm, sweaters and animal-specific clothing can come in handy. If your pet is wearing their finest holiday threads, keep an eye on them around open flames, other animals, or children. And as always, pets dressed up should be under constant supervision.
8. Don't just put tags on your gifts! As with any other day, your pets should always being wearing their collars with ID tags. With many holiday guests coming and going, it is easy for your furry family member to slip out a door or gate.
However you choose to celebrate this holiday season, Pets911.com hopes it will be filled with joy and celebration for all! Happy Holidays!
Information provided by Pets911.com.
Copyright © 2001-2009 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Top • Home • Subscribe • Advertise • Submit • Distribution • Contact
Support Our Advertisers • Organization Resources • Women Owned Business
Organization Resource List • Women Owned Businesses • Support Our Advertisers
Maintained by TEABROOKE
Website Design | SEO | Social Media Consulting
Related Sites | XMLSiteMap | Web Portal
Landing Zone SEO - Website | Search | Usability | Results | Goodness
Send an Email About This Article