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Pets And The Christmas Holidays 79

8 Tips to Keep Your Pets

Safe During the Holidays

By Clarissa Fallis

As you prepare for the holidays, it’s easy to
forget about the small things that can cause a
real danger to dogs and cats.
By taking a little time to ensure your
home is ready for a pet-friendly holiday, you can
evade possible tragedy or large vet bills. Here
are 8 tips:

1. Secure the Tree

Decorating your home can be one of the best
holiday traditions. If you have a Christmas tree,
keep this in mind: Dogs and cats can be drawn
to the exhilarating outdoor smells that the tree
brings inside, so make sure it’s secure in the
stand so pets don’t accidentally push it over.

2. Choose Ornaments Wisely
If you plan to throw a holiday party, consider and probably much busier than it normally is."

Ornaments, tinsel and lights can cause serious leaving a cute, festive note on the food table to However, if people feel strongly about
hazards. Keep both breakable ornaments and remind guests not to share holiday treats with bringing a pet into the family during the
small stuffed ones out of reach; they can easily the pets. Drinking cups (especially those filled holidays, Powelson suggests they adopt the
be mistaken for a dog toy. Wires for lights need with alcohol) and plates should be kept out of animal from a shelter or buy from a reputable
to be hidden so your pets don’t chew through reach of your pets. breeder rather than at a pet store.
them and cause an electrical shock. Another tip: Give your pets an early Here are three things Powelson says
dinner before the party so they are less tempted people should carefully consider before bringing
Ornamental string, ribbons and tinsel
may attract your cat. Although he will love to beg for food. that pet home:
playing with these decorations, they can cause
damage to his GI tract. It may be easier to keep 7. Create a Safe Haven for Pets During 1. If you’re a parent, are you prepared to look
your tree separate, perhaps in a room where the Parties after the pet?
animals cannot enter. Or put up a baby gate. "Often what happens, if a child is given
During parties, some pets can become a pet for a gift, that novelty will wear off," said
overstimulated and stressed out, so have a safety Powelson. "Is the parent prepared to take full
3. Avoid Giving Your Pet Fragile Presents
spot available. This location should be away responsibility for the animal? If the answer is
from the festivities and should have fresh water, no, then don’t bring the pet into your home."
If you choose to give your pet gifts for the
holiday, make sure the presents are big enough a couple of toys and a comfortable place to
to minimize the choking hazard. sleep. 2. Is this something your child (or sibling or
Be aware of your dog’s chewing habits; partner) has wanted for an extended period
if you have a puppy or an active chewer, avoid 8. Prevent Your Pet From Slipping Out of time?
toys that can be broken into smaller pieces. "Is this something they have wanted for
Even my own dog, who rarely chews With all the people coming in and out of your a long time or has it just come up and is it a
anything other than Greenies, started carrying door, it can be easy for a pet to sneak outside. whim?" said Powelson. "Did they watch Men In
around a small plastic cat ball with a bell inside. Have your pet’s microchip and tag information Black and they fell in love with that dog? If
up-to-date. Notify your neighbors that you will you’re giving someone (a pet as) a gift, you need
It broke into several small pieces in his mouth.
Luckily, it didn’t cause any damage, but it sure be having a party and to call you right away if to really, truly believe that person understands
freaked me out! they see one of your pets outside unattended.[] it’s a lifetime commitment."
New stuffed squeaker toys can be a hit;
but make sure that if your dog rips out the Pets as Christmas gifts: 3. And if you’re adamant about getting that
squeaker, you quickly throw it away. pet, must you do it over the holidays?
Things to consider before "If you do want to give someone a rescue
4. Keep Harmful Foods Away From Your Pets buying pet for Christmas, give them an 'IOU,'" said
Powelson. "I owe you a kitten. I owe you a dog.
Sweet, fatty and spicy foods that we commonly I owe you a hamster. Wait until Christmas day
eat during the holidays are certainly not intended CBC and then look at bringing that pet into the
for pets and can cause an upset stomach or even family." []
life-threatening illness. As Canadians scramble to purchase holiday gifts
If you have these foods around your for loved ones, one animal advocacy group is
home, make sure they are securely put away and warning people away from placing that kitten or
out of reach to avoid a toxic emergency. puppy under the Christmas tree.
"Christmas time is a really hectic and
stressful time for families and bringing in an
5. Stay Away From Dangerous Holiday Plants
animal into a new environment is a very
Other things that can cause severe illness in dogs stressful experience for that pet and for the
and cats are holly and mistletoe. If you have family," Paws for Hope Executive Director
animals, it’s better to avoid this seasonal Kathy Powelson told The Early Edition.
shrubbery. "We just don’t feel that it is the best time
to bring in an animal into an environment that is
6. Helpful Holiday Party Hints going to be much louder than it is normally is