Keeping Your Pets Safe This Christmas
In order to make it safe for our pets, we need to take
a little extra care, so part of that time is not spent in the emergency room.
When things get hectic, pets' needs can sometimes get
neglected. It may be a holiday, but it is never a holiday from the
responsibilities of pet care.
Always make time to pay attention to your pets. Don't
get lax about walking your dog, cleaning your cat's litter box or letting your
rabbit out of the hutch. If you worry there will be times you can't give them
your full attention, enlist the help of a trusted family member, neighbour or
professional pet sitter/dog walker.
With people in and out of the house, there's an
increased risk of a pet getting out. Warn everyone to take extra care, or keep
the front door locked if you have to.
If you don't think you can safely monitor comings and
goings, keep your pets separated in another part of the house - at least until
everyone has arrived.
Now is a good time to make sure your pets are wearing
ID tags, and all contact information is current.
Make a note of your vet's holiday hours, the address
of a 24 hour emergency hospital, and the number of the animal poison hotline.
The last thing you want to do, is run around searching in a panic.
Decorations
Animals always seem to gravitate to the new things you
bring into your home, don't they? Imagine the temptation of trees, plants,
decorations, bright colours and flashing lights. Keep ornaments above their
reach as they, along with hooks and fasteners, can be eaten. Consider larger,
unbreakable ornaments. Watch out for tinsel. The shine is a real attraction, and can be eaten, or
become wrapped around the animals' neck.
If your pet is freaked out by twinkling lights, buy
ones that don't.
Snow globes can contain anti freeze, which is deadly
to pets. Pay attention to where you place them.
Cords are a tangling hazard, and some animals consider
them a chew toy. Hide them, cover them, tape them down.
Are some of your decorations toxic? Things like
bubbling lights, fake spray snow, and styrofoam, are potential hazards.
Who doesn't love lit candles, and logs burning in the
fireplace? Use fireplace screens, and keep candles out of reach. Never leave
burning candles unattended, even if you think you will only be gone for a
second. It never works out that way. Battery operated "faux" candles
are an alternative, and some are quite beautiful. While they may not be an
exact replacement for the real thing, you won't have any of the real worry.
Food
Who isn't guilty of slipping their pets a little
something, from the dinner table? If you aren't, great, but if we're talking
about you...
When you're sitting around the table, enjoying your
feast with family and friends, it's an exciting time for your pets, because
there are so many more people your animals can beg from. It also means a
greater chance of stomach problems. Even if you're used to feeding them table
scraps, it's probably best to put a blanket ban on that practice for now.
Poultry bones can splinter once swallowed, and cause
damage, and food too rich for sensitive stomachs can lead to vomiting, diarrhea
and even pancreatitis.
Never give sweets or chocolate. Remove all candy, even
sealed boxes from their line of sight. We've all seen our pets accomplish
amazing feats, when they put their minds to it.
Don't leave glasses with alcohol lying around for pets
to lick.
Keep your garbage can in a cupboard, but if you prefer
it out for the sake of convenience, make it pet proof.
Gifts and Wrapping
Of course you want to include your pet in the holiday,
by giving them presents. Just buy ones suitable for animals.
Take care when the rest of the family are opening
their gifts. Immediately throw out gift wrapping, ribbon, bows, and plastic
packaging. They'll be swiped before you know it.
Don't leave the kids' toys lying around either. Small
pieces can be bitten off, and cause choking or blockages.
Remember to never give pets as presents. You want to
get a family pet? Do it some other time of the year. Kids should be taught to
respect animals, and not view them as things. They need to learn there's a
difference between an animal and a sweater.
Noise
All the extra people in the house, means lots of extra
noise. Kids running around, music playing, Champagne bottles being opened,
Christmas crackers and balloons. While some animals have no problem, and are
more than happy to be in the middle of the mayhem, others are more skittish and
will feel quite nervous and stressed.
Make sure they have a quiet place where they can hide.
Put a bed, blanket, water and toys so they'll feel comfortable.
If your pet is particularly freaked out, there are
natural remedies and traditional medications that may be helpful. Speak to your
vet for some suggestions.
Weather
Depending on where you live, of course, Christmas can
bring some nasty weather. Christmas or not, animal care is not seasonal.
Consider limiting the amount of time they're outside,
and putting them in a coat or sweater. Salted sidewalks can burn your dogs'
paws, so try booties or one of the protective creams on the market.
