Potential Holiday Hazards for Companion Animals

1. Dangerous wrapping- Brightly colored ribbons and bows are a festive and part of the Holiday season, but remember that ribbon can be extremely dangerous for your pets. If ingested it can cause their intestines to bunch and get twisted, and in many cases this will need to be remedied with surgery. If left untreated, this can be fatal.
2. Hanging ornaments- From your pets perspective, low hanging ornaments on a tree are just begging to be swatted at or chewed on. If you have any low-hanging ornaments on your tree, be sure that they are made of materials that your pets can't chew or otherwise destroy or ingest.
3. Poisonous plants- While poinssettias have long been believed to be extremely dangerous for pets, the danger they pose when ingested by a pet is not as bad as as some other common holiday plants such as mistletoe, pine tree needles, amaryllis liliesm red azealeas and paperwhites. If you have festive plants, make sure they are somewhere your pet won't be tempted to chew on them. If you are unsure if a plant is poisonous, or concerned that youe pet might have eaten something dangerous call us at (972) 242-7606 or ASPCA animal poison control center at 1-800-426-4435 for more information. * You will be charged by the posion hotline*
4. Candles- Your pet probably wont be to intrigued by the candle itself, but an crazy tail cna easily knock a candle over, causing a host of problems. Keep candles out of reach, and make sure you stay vigilant around lit candles. The last thing you need over the holidays is a visit from your local fire station.
5. Holiday Foods- While it may be tempting to give your pet just a nibble of turkey or other holiday food, resist the urge! Rich foods will upset your pets digestive system which could produce unpleasant effects. Also, pets should never be given any type of bone, as they splinter and can cause internal injuries.
6. Stress- Pets like routine and predictability, so when their schedules or enviroments change, they can become upset. If you are planning on having holiday guests and your pet isn't used to entertaining, create a safe quiet space away from the action where your pet can have some peace and quiet.
7. Tinsel- Only applies to your feline companions. Like ribbon, tinsel is almost irresitable to cats and, if ingested, it can require surgery to extract.
8. Pets are not presents: Every companion animal deserves a home where it will be wanted and well taken care of, but pets are a life-long commitment so make sure whomever your wanting to buy a pet for is ready to take care of them.
9. Christmas tree water- The water that keeps your tree fresh is frequently treated with chemicals that can make your pets sick. Be sure your pets do not have access to tree water.
10. Travel Dangers- If you are traveling with your pet during the holidays, be sure that your pet is properly secured and that they have adequate identifcation, including a microchip. That way if you get seperated your pet has a way to be reunited with you.

These are just ten things to be aware of during this holiday season. If you have any questions please give us a call at (972) 242-7606