Holiday Pet Tips

Let's start out our holiday tips with a thought to antifreeze. Most of us know that antifreeze is bad for our pets. It tastes sweet- and dogs and cats just love that. The chemicals in antifreeze can cause permanent kidney damage, even in small amounts, shortening your pets life if not ending it almost immediately. Clean up any spilled amount, no matter how small.

Cookies and Candy- Almost every holiday has it's traditional sweet treat. A beautiful plate of Holiday Cookies can be irresistible to your pets, and, it's not just the chocolate that can harm them. Mocha's, flavored candies and the like can also contain caffeine, which can be fatal to our pets. Put the plate out of reach and remind children and guests of the house rules.

Follow up:

Flickering Lights- Candles are so pretty ,but put them up where inquisitive noses and paws won't be harmed. Not to mention furry tails and whiskers. Several companies offer festive lights that look like flickering candles, but have no flame. This could be a safe alternative for you. Just think, pretty lights, no spilled wax to clean up.

The Holidays bring new smells, new people, music, rustling paper, loud talking and laughing. Some pets will love it. Some pets will hate it. Either one can be stressful for your pet. One of my little dogs hates costumes, Santa, the Easter bunny, Halloween ,doesn't matter, they scare her to death. She is much happier in the bedroom with the door closed than trying to make friends with Santa. Know your pet and you'll be able to tell when the stress is too much. A stressed out dogs' reactions can't be predicted. Better safe, than having Santa getting stitches.

Plants- Nothing freshens up a home like a fresh arrangement of flowers. Some cats will not be the least bit interested and others won't be able to resist a few nibbles. To be on the safe side keep lilies, mistletoe, poinsettias, evergreens and the like out of your arrangements. Or use them to dress up your pet-free office.

Christmas Trees- bright shiny ornaments, garland, edible candy canes, lots of light- what's not to like? Your pet feels same way. It's a lovely temptation, however, ornaments can break and be fatal if swallowed, garland can lodge in the intestines requiring a vets care. Candy Canes are covered in cellophane causing additional intestinal stress. Lights? Where do we start? The blinking can send a sensitive pet into seizures, electrical cord can be chewed on or wrapped around a cat's throat. The preservatives used for fresh Christmas trees can cause vomiting. What to do? Put fragile breakable ornaments up high, refrain from dangling (read enticing) ribbons and garlands. Save the edible decorations for your office. Don't have cords running across the living room, hide them in PVC pipe against a floorboard.

Last but not least, don't let overactive children walk overactive pets. Send the kids outside to chill, let the pet calm down and them maybe you can all enjoy a stroll after dinner!