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Pets’ highly sensitive noses pick up scents before humans can. Therefore, don't be surprised when Frick and Frack are underfoot in the kitchen while Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas holiday goodies are being prepared. Watch those hot containers filled with turkey and ham drippings. Pets can easily tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to themselves.
Don’t feed pets the cooled drippings either. Human seasonings aren't good for pets, and the rich stock and drippings can easily upset pets' digestive systems.
It can be so tempting to give your pet large quantities of cooked turkey and ham during the holidays. Again, human food is too rich; overfeeding of human food can cause additional health problems and feeding human food will often lead to unsatisfactory eating habits when given pet food at their regular mealtimes.
Bones are dangerous! Please, please don't feed your pets bones, especially poultry bones. Poultry bones splinter easily - each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and sometimes death.
Increased activity and visitors during the winter Holidays can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets plenty of love.
If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best for your pet to board her or hire a reputable pet sitter.
Hang your treasured ornaments higher on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, resin-cast or the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful ornaments. Tinsel isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems - please avoid. Other holiday hazards include menorahs, candles and liquid potpourri pots.
The beauty of the fireplace colors (fire salts) is breathtaking on a cold winter's evening, but they are toxic to your pets; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.
Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around pets’ necks for the holidays. The pets can tighten ribbons resulting in choking or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on an object.
Keep gift ribbons and bows out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.
Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric 1/4 inch ribbons, light-weight twine or yarn to slip easily over the branches of the tree.
Keep all pets securely indoors during firework displays. The frightening noise and the danger of exploding fireworks are hazardous to your pet.
A number of Christmas seasonal plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy - moderate to very toxic, all parts; holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves; mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.
Please do not give any animal or any pet of any age as gifts. Remember the first weeks of a new life or a sudden change in an adult pet is extremely traumatic for them. Instead, give the gift of pet adoption with a certificate from the Animal Refuge League. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the loved one can then make a selection of the pet of their choice to bring home to a peaceful and quiet home. This will also provide the happy new pet owner time to spend with his or her new life-time commitment.
New Year's Day brings in a brand new year filled with the promise of hope, prosperity, health, and happiness. But be alert to any pet hazards such as fun noise-makers and confetti which can very easily pose a serious threat to your pets' sense of well-being and health. Noise-makers can frighten your pet causing the pet to bolt out an open door window, or leap to a precarious area in search of safety. Confetti can be ingested, wreaking havoc to the digestive tract. By taking just a few precautions you can make the Holidays safe, happy, and healthy for your family and your pets. |
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