There's no more exciting time for families than the holidays! But while you're decking your halls and trimming your tree, keep your pets safe by following a few holiday pet safety tips:
- Forgo string tinsel if you have a cat. The glittery threads will attract your cat, who may ingest the tinsel. This can lead to intestinal tangles, expensive veterinary surgery or worse! In place of tinsel strings, wrap your tree with the heartier rope tinsel or, better yet, involve your whole family in a popcorn and cranberry stringing event.
- Keep chocolate and candies out of your dog's reach. Gooey candies can upset your dog's tummy, and chocolate can be lethal for a dog.
- Remove all wrapping paper string, bows and tape after wrapping or unwrapping gifts to avoid accidental ingestion by your pet.
- Keep poinsettias and mistletoe away from pets--they are highly poisonous to animals (and children) and should never be left in an area where animals (or babies) might nibble on their leaves. Pine needles can cause intestinal problems for your pet, as well, so be sure to vacuum often, and use boxes or some other deterrent to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree's lower limbs.
- Keep new puppies, dogs and cats away from small children unless they are carefully supervised. New pets need time to acclimate to new families, and the excitement of the holidays can create an adrenaline rush that could lead to nipping, biting or over-rambunctious play, all of which could lead to unintentional injury.
