It’s Christmas!
Well, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, the tree is up and decorated (for now) with presents starting to show up underneath it, good foods and treats are showing up all over the house, and families and friends are making plans for yearly get togethers. Yep, it’s Christmas. Our pets know it too…they just see it a little differently. They see things to chew off the mantle, an indoor tree that needs investigating and conquering with chew toys in all shapes and sizes all over it and under it, good food, and loud people. It’s time to revisit Christmas safety with our furry sleuths and protectors.
Christmas decorations of all kinds are usually impossible for most pets to resist. They blink, are shiny, smell good, move, are shiny, taste good, feel funny, and are shiny (who can resist sparkly, shiny things). All these taunting distractions could be disastrous for our pets. Tinsel and other ornaments can become stuck in the stomach or intestines requiring surgical removal. Glass ornaments can break and cut our furry friends. Christmas lights could cause an electrical burn in their mouth or broken glass can cut them. Some poinsettias are toxic if ingested. Ribbons on presents can also pose stomach or intestinal threats. It’s important to keep a close eye your private eye pooches and sleuth kitties this time of year. If they cannot be trusted with the Christmas tree then try to put it in a room where it can be closed when you are not home. Or, when you are not home, keep your pet in a kennel or safe room in the house. If it is possible, you could even secure your tree to the ceiling to help insure it won’t topple over trapping your pet underneath. Not all pets are Christmas commandoes but you know your pet and a little precaution can make a happier holiday season.
We’ve covered dangerous foods many times in previous blogs. This is the same thing. Stay away from fatty foods (ham, poultry skins) or greasy foods, cashews, macadamia nuts, grapes/raisins, garlic, guacamole, and chocolates or artificial sweeteners. These foods can cause a wide range of issues from stomach upset to kidney or liver failure. With the extra treats and special dinners that accompany this time of year please try to keep them away from the critters. Keep candy bowls out of reach and eliminate table begging or dumpster diving.
Lastly, let’s revisit safety when company comes to visit. Please try to keep collars and tags on your pets in case they would get scared and run out the door when someone else comes in or out. Having your pet micro-chipped is a great help in this situation. If your pet doesn’t tolerate noise or lots of activity then set them up in a quiet room with a favorite toy, blanket, music, or even a television show. Also, be on the lookout in case they get under foot. People and animals alike can get hurt if someone trips and falls over your furry speed bump.
It’s a busy time of year but also a great, fun time of year filled with so many wonderful traditions and memories. Let’s keep our friends and families (two and four legged) all safe and healthy by taking a few extra precautions.