Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas

Christmas pet safety.

Your pet is most likely very curious about all the fun Christmas decorations that are out.  Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe around the holidays:

• Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can be toxic to inquisitive pets.  It is important to keep plants up and out of reach of both your dog and cat.
• If part of your holiday decorations includes a live tree, remember pine needles can create a danger to any pet that may attempt to eat one.  Needles can puncture the intestines of your pet, so keep your tree watered and clean up fallen needles as soon as possible.
• It is in a cat’s nature to be very curious and usually find indoor trees very entertaining.  As any cat owner would know, cats love to go after things that sparkle and move.  Tinsel is in this category and is extremely dangerous if ingested.  Glass ornaments should be placed up high to keep noses and paws away.
• Be careful not to let your pet drink the tree water if you have put any type of additives in it.
• For anyone that has seen the Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation movie, you would know the danger caused by electrical cords under and around the tree.  It is important to tape down or cover electrical cords to keep your pet from chewing on them.
• If you are planning on hosting a party, make sure to keep animals in a back room away from guests and the door.  While people are arriving it is possible your cat or dog could escape.  Also, while enjoying your holiday meals with family, it is important not to let animals eat scraps from the table; especially rich food usually served during the holidays as it can cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis attacks.

Clear The Air wishes you and your pets a safe and fantastic Holiday Season!