Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

With so much going on this season regarding decorations and lights, your furry babies are thrilled.  However, to safeguard your pets, see the following:

Trees – the oils from pine needles can irritate your pet’s mouth and stomach leading to gastrointestinal irritation, obstruction, and puncture.  We use a small fence around the tree to keep the animals in check; you can even decorate your barriers with non-breakable ornaments to make them more festive.

Breakable ornaments – place these high on the tree.

Hang bells at the bottom of the tree, to notify you when mischief is afoot.

Tinsel -  cats and dogs who consume these shiny strands can get bowel obstructions.  So, again, a barrier around the tree helps to keep them safe. 

Poinsettias – you’ve heard it before, but poinsettias produce an irritating milky liquid which can negatively affect your pets.  Should your pet consume the flowers and/or plant parts, the most frequent consequences are vomiting, diarrhea, and hypersalivation (in cats).  If the animal brushes up against the plant, they might show conjunctivitis, skin reddening, and ulcers.  Keep these plants well out of harm’s way.

If your animals do get into harmful foods, keep charcoal biscuits around.  They will help prevent absorption by the stomach and intestine while you get in touch with your vet.

Just like children, your pets get into everything.  So be vigilant and insure a safe holiday for all.

Source: Get Healthy