December 16th, 2009 
admin According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), more than 60 percent of pet guardians include their dogs and cats in holiday festivities and 79 percent give pets Christmas gifts.
Unfortunately, even surrounded by well-meaning humans, thousands of pets will suffer a holiday related accident or illness this season. Whether your plans for the holidays involve traveling far and wide or hosting the festivities from the warmth and familiarity of home, here are some precautions to take to ensure a fun, but safe time, for your companion animal.
If You Are Staying Home:
Plants: Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous to cats and dogs.
Electrical cords: If chewed on, they can electrocute your pet. Make sure strands of lights, loose wires and extension cords are out of reach.
Tree ornaments: Glass can cut little paws if stepped on and tinsel can block your pets’ intestines if eaten. And use yarn instead of hooks to hang your ornaments as metal ornament hooks can get caught in your pet’s mouth.
Packages under the tree: Bows, ribbons, toys, even those tiny ornaments used to decorate presents, can be swallowed and cause your pet to strangle.
The tree: Cats may try to climb it. Dogs may try to eat it. Both situations are bad news and children as well as animals could get hurt if the tree falls over. Be sure to cover your tree stand with skirting so pets can’t drink water from the tree stand. The tree sap in the water can cause mouth sores, vomiting or diarrhea.
Other decorations: Lit candles and a dog or cat’s swooshing tail can spell disaster. Do not leave candles – or that nice roaring fire in the fireplace – unattended.
Food and beverages: Pets should not eat sugary or chocolate treats or drink alcohol. These substances are all toxic to animals.
Guests: Make sure any visitors comply with the food and beverage law above. Make sure young guests are not playing too rough with the pets or tormenting them. Watch for signs of stress in your animal if the house is filled with people. Provide him or her with a quiet, comfortable place to escape to for a rest, when needed.
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