With the holidays descending on us rather quickly, folks are scurrying around preparing for the festivities. Here are some tips for keeping our pets safe at a time especially when we have many things on our mind. As we bring out seasonal decorations, we must keep in mind that pets are naturally curious creatures. I am sure the cat must think: "Wow, a real live tree to climb!" and the dog must go: "Hmm an indoor potty." For us it is, simply a disaster if we aren't careful.
First of all make sure your Christmas tree is properly secured with a heavy base, even one which could be nailed down if you have carpeting over a plywood subfloor, Use some fishing line from the top to a secure wall or ceiling anchor. Tree holders with the water reservoirs are another concern. Use only water and sugar. Tree preservatives can make your pet very sick if ingested. Ideally, a reservoir cover would be a good safety measure. Wire mesh works well. As needles start falling, remove them as you pet may ingest them, potentially causing serious tummy troubles.
Decorations which you do not want your pet to reach should be kept to the middle and upper parts of the tree. Some pets like to chew electrical cords, so keep strings of lights out of reach as well. You might consider spraying a product such as ""Bitter Apple"" on parts of the tree to detract some pets from chewing. Tabasco Sauce also works well. Spray snow and angle hair are decorations to avoid as are wire type ornament hooks. They can tear tiny paws. Instead, use ribbon or twine to hang ornaments.
I am sure everyone is aware of the tinsel issue. If you have pets, don'''t use it! Tinsel is one of the prime reasons vets have to work overtime during the holidays! So many tummies are opened with the culprit being tinsel.
Wrapped gifts with pretty bows look beautiful. To your pet it means a new toy. Then, there are those who decorate their pets. While it may be cute for the family photo, do it fast and get it over with. Those antlers are very adorable but do you really think your pets like them? All the pet stores have safe and pretty collars that will not choke your pet. Rather than tying a bow, get a pretty holiday leash and collar.
A swish of a tail can spell disaster if a pet gets too close to a lit fireplace or candle. Some scented candles can hurt your pet bird as well. Also, please do not forget that when you burn a non-tick pan, toxins are given off which can kill your bird.
Standing under the mistletoe can be a most enjoyable experience for you but please use artificial mistletoe. As long as the kisses are real, what difference does it make except keep your pet safer? Mistletoe, holly, as well as Poinsettias can cause major stomach upset. Berries from these plants can be potentially fatal, if swallowed.
With the holiday season we want to include all of our family members in holiday activities. Visiting and entertaining is something we all tend to do at this time of the year. For whatever reason, a guest may not be a pet person. You still want them to have an enjoyable visit. They may have a fear of pets. If someone has a total fear, leave it alone. Exercise caution with children especially if your pets are not use to them. If you allow your pets to stay out with your guests watch for eye contact. Some pets can almost be irritating for attention. Keep an eye out for that and although cute and adorable, to others can be down right annoying
How to ruin a perfectly lovely evening? Have your pet beg for food. There is nothing worse that having two eyes staring waiting for a tidbit. This is not good for the guest or the pet. If your guest is the culprit, tell them it's not ok. Food can be a potential threat and ruin a perfectly good holiday. Keep all chocolate away from pets as you know it can cause death! When you throw your garbage out, discard it properly.
When you leave your pet at home while you go visiting, keep your "gang" confined when all that food and those decorations are out. With a bit of thought one can have a perfectly safe and happy holiday.
Email me at tracks@jokat.ca and let's talk animals.
