ACM Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets!
Holiday Safety Tips!
Holiday celebrations can pose threats to pets whether through dangerous foods and decorations or the disruption of their routine. Here are a few tips to keep your furry family member happy and safe this holiday season.
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Travel- If you are traveling this holiday season, be sure to make boarding reservations in advance. Reputable boarding facilities fill up fast, so be sure to make reservations several months in advance if possible. If you are traveling with your pet, contact the person you are staying with or the hotel and make sure that your pet is welcome.
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Vaccinations- All pets should be up-to-date on vaccinations. Reputable boarding facilities will require current vaccine history, so it's a good idea to get those done in advance.
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ID Tags & Microchipping- With company coming and going, pets can easily slip out of the house. Proper collars with identification tags and microchipping could help your pet get returned home safetly to you.
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People Food & Pets(DON"T MIX)- We all have that relative who feeds their pet off the table. But human food can be very harmful to pets; with extra spices and fats, it can cause digestive upset and in some pets even death. Some human foods are even toxic, such as grapes, raisins, chocolate and artificial sweetners, just to name a few. And we can't forget the thing that people give their pets which is a big no, no....BONES! Bones are never a good idea to give to your pet, especially chicken or turkey bones, they splinter off and can cause SERIOUS problems! So, the best thing to do is put your pet up during food preparation and during the meal, that way no one is tempted to feed you pet while you aren't looking. Also remember to keep lids on the trash cans, don't want Fido helping himself to the leftovers!
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Decorations- Everyone enjoys all the pretty decorations for the holidays. Metal ornament hooks, tinsel, glass ornaments and light strands are a few items that could cause harm to your pet, especially those little kitties that like to play with all the sparkley decorations. Hang your more treasured ornaments closer to the top of the tree, out of paws reach and check your lights daily to make sure that the strands have not been chewed on. -Flowers and Greenery- A number of holiday plants are poisonous to pets, such as holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias. (This is not a conclusive list) Also if you choose to have a real tree, do not let your pet drink the water at the base, if too can be toxic.
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Holiday Pet Costumes- Pick a safe pet costume. Make sure the costume allows your dog to see and breathe easily. You don’t want to interfere with a pet’s vision, hearing or breathing. So this means no costumes that require masks. The neckline shouldn’t be too tight. Signs that the costume is too tight will include chewing, pawing or other signs of discomfort. Only use lightweight fabric when making a pet costume since you don’t want them to become overheated.
Don't take any tips from Clark Griswold, and have a safe, happy holiday season! From all of us at The Animal Clinic of Monett!
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