Here are 10 tips to help you and your pet to have a safe and happy holiday season.
- Securely anchor your tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury, if a pet is playing.
- Make sure you do not let pets drink tree water out of the stand, as it can be dangerous if ingested.
- Try to either elevate the tree or hang ornaments only on the upper most branches, to avoid broken ornaments that can cause injury.
- Avoid tinsel...pretty, sparkling tinsel is very enticing to pets, but it can cause an obstruction if ingested.
- Place candles in a place where they cannot easily be knocked over by an excited pet.
- Conceal electrical cords with heavy duty plastic to keep a chewing pet away from danger.
- Be sure to keep chocolate away from pets, but be aware that dark chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, is especially toxic.
- Keep the sweet treats like: gum, candy, and breath mints with xylitol (an artificial sweetener) away from pets. It is extremely toxic.
- Be careful when choosing a gift for your pet. Dogs have been known to chew up toys, which then cause a blockage and require veterinarian assistance. Instead offer health treats or indestructible toys.
- With all the excitement of the season it is important that you give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Pets often become anxious during this time of year.