Holiday Pet Safety

Inside

Poisonous Plants: Many popular holiday plants are poisonous to animals including Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias. Keep them out of reach of pets.

Healthy Treats: Chocolate and other sweets are toxic to your pets. The best thing you can do for your pets over the holidays is to keep them on their regular diet.

Tree proofing:

• Make sure the tree is well secured.
• Try to place decorations above paw height.
• Use string to hang the bulbs instead of hooks, which are easily dislodged.
• Lights should be made inaccessible to pets.
• Use non-breakable ornaments.
• Tinsel is dangerous to all animals, deadly if ingested
• Keep the water reservoir covered. Chemicals added to the water reservoir of your Christmas tree to keep your tree living longer won’t do the same for your pet. The chemicals are toxic to animals.

Toys:

• Avoid purchasing pet toys with small or soft pieces that can be chewed and swallowed.
• Nylon bones tend to splinter less than plastic ones.
• Be sure to inspect pet toys regularly and discard deteriorating ones.

Outside

When the temperature drops think about bringing animals indoors.

• Remember that animals need more calories to fend off the cold, so in addition to providing daily fresh water, be sure to give them extra food.

Ice-Free Water: If you keep any animals outdoors during winter weather, be sure their water supply is checked twice a day to keep it ice-free.

Antifreeze: Many animals like the taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity. Even in the smallest amounts, it can be very harmful and often fatal.

Salt: The salt used to melt snow irritates the pads of pet’s feet. Wipe off your pet’s feet before they lick their paws.

Warm Engines: Cats and wildlife gravitate to warm engines during cold winters. Be sure to bang your hood to avoid injuring an animal in your engine.