Christmas and other holidays can certainly be stressful for us, but what about the pets who find their space invaded by strange visitors, trees in the house, funny-looking packages and unfamiliar smells of candles, food and potpourri?
Why, it’s enough to send a canine to the crazy house.
More than 79 million U.S. households (65 percent) have at least one pet. More than 54 million have a dog, and more than 42 million have a cat. This information is easily found at www.humanesociety.org, along with quite a few other amazing facts concerning pets.
These statistics are why we need to look at some holiday safety tips for the four-legged members of the family, who don’t understand that they shouldn’t play with shiny glass balls, chew on electrical cords or eat chocolate candy dropped by the kids. You can’t watch them constantly, so take a few safety measures and everyone can have a happier holiday.
Dogs and cats should never be allowed to eat or chew on batteries, snow globes (which may contain anti-freeze), styrofoam, plastic wrap, twist ties, ribbon, children’s toys, medicine or medicine bottles.
People-food, such as table scraps, can cause a pet to gain weight. Chicken bones can splinter and do terrible damage to gums and digestive systems. Never give a pet chocolate, as it can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Plants, such as holly, poinsettia and mistletoe, are also toxic and should be kept out of reach. If you notice diarrhea or vomiting, a trip to the vet is probably in order.
When decorating your tree, place breakable ornaments higher up and out of reach. Cats love to climb, so make your tree stable and secure, even if you have to tie it off to the wall. Real-food decorations, such as strung popcorn, can be a real attraction and could result in a toppled tree.
If your pet is nervous around strangers, it might be a good idea to invest in an indoor kennel that can be kept in an unused room. Be sure to familiarize your pet with these arrangements ahead of time and provide plenty of water and favorite toys or blankets.
It’s very easy to get busy this time of year and forget little things that can have huge consequences. With just a little forethought, your pets and guests will have a much nicer visit.
Always be safety-minded and remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
