By B.E. Conrad
The holiday season can be lots of fun for both the two legged and four legged members of the family, but it is important for pet owners to use caution when decorating their homes and treating those special members of the family. Many common holiday decorations and foods can be dangerous to cats, dogs and other pets, so it is important to plan for a trouble free holiday season.It is important to know, for instance, that poinsettia plants can be toxic to cats. Many cats will leave these colorful Christmas flowers alone, but others simply cannot resist nibbling on these colorful but potentially deadly plants. If your cat is the curious type, it would be wise to place the poinsettia in a location the cat cannot reach (if such a place exists) or keep it at the office instead.
Poinsettias are not the only potentially toxic item around at the holiday season. Simple chocolate, a staple in many holiday recipes and a mainstay in many kitchens, can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Baking chocolate, with its concentrated flavor, is particularly dangerous. Dogs should never be given chocolate, and any dog who ingests large quantities of chocolate should be examined by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Keeping the chocolate where Fido or Fluffy can’t reach it is a good safety practice.
Tinsel, garland and glass ornaments can be dangerous to pets as well, as can the metal hangers often used to hang those ornaments on the tree. Those with curious cats and dogs may want to use string or ribbon hangers instead, as well as keeping those delicate and breakable ornaments near the top of the tree. Tinsel and garland should be avoided in households with pets, since those items are easily swallowed by curious cats and dogs.
It is also a good idea to keep the tree out of high traffic areas. A tree placed near the entrance to a room or close to an area where people and pets travel could easily be knocked down, resulting in not only the destruction of valuable ornaments but possible injury as well. It is also a good idea to keep extension cords out of the way, and to avoid their use wherever possible. Placing the tree close to a wall outlet will help to reduce the need for extension cords, which can present a tripping hazard for both feet and paws.
Those homeowner with one or more cats should carefully watch the tree the first couple of days to make sure Boots or Mittens is not tempted to climb it. To the cat, one tree looks very much like another, and the cat may not realize the dangers inherent in climbing this new indoor tree for a better view. If the cat in your life begins eyeing up the tree, he or she can often be discouraged with a quick spray from a squirt bottle or squirt gun.
It is also important to keep an eye on the whereabouts of family pets as friends, family members and other visitors come and go. The holiday season is a busy time, and it can be easy for pets to slip out of the house unnoticed in all the commotion. It may be a good idea to keep the pets in another room while family members are entering and exiting the home.
Finally, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your pets’ stress level as the holidays approach. The holiday season can be a stressful time for humans, and this stress can befall pets as well. If your pet shows signs of stress, be sure to place him in a quieter area until the chaotic activity has subsided. Some pets are easily frightened or stressed by the loud noises and frequent activity that takes place this time of year, so it is important to monitor your pet for signs of distress and to act accordingly.
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