- Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only
could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto
furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire
hazards. All other decorations should be carefully placed so that the pets can't pull or scratch
off any small pieces to swallow.
- Cover or tack down electrical cords.
- Pets' highly sensitive noses pick up scents before humans can. Therefore, don't be surprised
when Fluffy and Fido are underfoot in the kitchen while Christmas holiday goodies are being
prepared. Watch those hot containers filled with turkey and ham drippings. The pets can easily
tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to themselves. Don't feed pets the cooled
drippings either. Human seasonings aren't good for pets, plus the fact that the rich stock and
drippings can easily upset pets' digestive systems.
- Increased activity and visitors during the winter holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try
to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets
plenty of love.
- If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the
holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of
the excitement during the holidays, it might be best for you and your pet to board your pet or
hire a reputable pet sitter.
- Hang your treasured ornaments higher on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, resin-cast or
the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful
ornaments. Tinsel isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential
problems...please don't us
- Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric 1/4 inch ribbons, light-weight twine
or yarn to slip easily over the branches of the tree.
- A number of Christmas season plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy - moderate
to very toxic, all parts; holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves;
mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper,
cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or
bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity. This is not a
conclusive listing...there are many more toxic plants. An additional listing of both non and toxic
plants can be located here. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.
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