Pets and Christmas Dangers

While Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together and to worship baby Jesus, it can be a dangerous time of the year for your pets.  Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe during the Christmas holiday season.

Christmas Tree Additives

When you put up your Christmas tree, consider not putting in additives that help to make your tree last longer, that is if you have a real tree.  Many times, dogs and cats, go under the tree to drink the water.  Consider putting mesh around the water receptacle to keep pets out.

Tinsel

Consider skipping the tinsel.  Cats, in particular, are drawn to these shiny stands of silver and gold.  Tinsel can choke a cat and it’s best to leave it off the tree.

Poinsettias

The plant most sought after during the Christmas holidays are Poinsettias.  Poinsettias are not dangerous for pets or toxic, contrary to popular belief.  While we don’t recommend making a salad out of it, it is not necessary to put these plants in high places to keep them away from your pets, according to Veterinary Technician Journal’s Toxicology Brief:

Turkey Bones

Many pet owners give their pets scaps from the turkey to give them a special treat.  That’s perfectly fine, but make sure that there are no poultry bones in this treat.  It can choke them.

These are just a few suggestions to keep your pets safe this Holiday Season!