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Holiday Pet Tips
Holidays can be fun to share with pets, but
they are also full of stress, temptation and danger. Follow these tips
to keep your holidays full of cheer.
Bows are for presents. A holiday bow around a pet's neck
can strangle an animal that catches a paw on it. A much better solution
is a snap away collar with a festive seasonal design.
Tails and Treasures. Place fragile and chewable
decorations well out of reach. Your treasured holiday displays can be
trash with one sweep of an enthusiastic tail.
Indoor Plumbing and Watering Hole: Live trees are a
beautiful sight to behold for your territorial dogs. Many male dogs
will find your beautiful tree an excellent alternative to relieving
themselves outdoors. Both cats and dogs may find the tree water
tempting, make sure to use pet friendly preservatives in the tree's
water.
The Tree of Temptation. Cats love to pounce on trees. Make
yours less interesting by tying it with a clear fishing line to a
nearby window. Hang your most valuable and/or breakable ornaments near
the top, securely fastened with hooks and further anchored with twist
ties or floral wire. The bottom can then be adorned with felt ornaments
and candy canes to entertain your cat.
Tinsel Trauma. Avoid using tinsel. Instead use a vinyl
garland and specialty lights. They brighten the tree and you won't have
to worry about your cat eating them and having digestive problems or
choking.
Taper Trouble. If candles are part of your holiday
celebration,
consider using a holder with a glass that covers the flame. These are
preferred
because they are less likely to singe the fur. Never leave candles
unattended
with pets in the room to protect them and your home. With a menorah,
place
it high on a mantel or on a specially built shelf.
Pet Toys. Be sure your pets have plenty of toys so they
are not tempted to play with holiday decorations.
Leftovers and Cookies should be stored or disposed of.
Your pet's digestive system can't handle all the goodies, and besides
making them sick, it could make a mess of your home. Give them healthy,
nutritious canine and feline treats that are appropriate for them.
Plants like poinsettias, holly, amaryllis and mistletoe
should be kept out of reach of all your pets. These plants can be
harmful, and owners should call a veterinarian immediately if a pet
ingests them.
Keep chocolate away from your dogs and cats. Chocolate
contains theobromine which can be harmful and sometimes fatal.
Clean salt from streets and sidewalks out of paws.
It can be really irritating and drying to the pads.
Change outside water and food dishes to ceramic or plastic.
When
the temperature drops, pick up your metal bowls. Pet's tongues can
freeze
to these. If you have outdoor water bowls, check them often and break
out
the ice. Frozen water does your animals no good.
Stick with your routine. Keep dogs on their normal feeding
and walking routine during holiday festivities. If company makes a dog
nervous, tuck its
crate in an out-of-the-way area like your bedroom to provide a sense of
security.
Should
you wish to contact us
immediately
(612)
558-1369 · E-Mail
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