The Holidays are here with all their cheer. It’s a joyous time of year…but you have to remember some things to keep your pets safe during all the company and confusion! The ASPCA has issued a fabulous concise list of do’s and don’ts so you can keep your furry babies SAFE! I wanted to share this Holiday Pet Safety Tips List with you and the links to many other pet care pages that the ASPCA provides to keep your best friends
A BIG shout out to Rusty Ru Ru the RESCUE Dachshund and his siblings…Prince and Heidi for sharing their beautiful Holiday Card Picture for all to see..you can enjoy the life and times of this beautiful rescue doxie and his rescue family over at facebook…Rusty Ru Ru
Now…Let’s KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
for a list of toxic foods…visit the… ASPCA list
Let’s start with Poinsettias they would be a DON’T…the leaves of a Poinsettia Plant are POISON to dogs and cats…my suggestion when it comes to these pretty plants is go faux : ) or keep them in a place that they can not be gotten. Better safe then sorry! This is what to look for.. Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity. Mistle Toe …Holly and some other Lilies cause the same problems…Faux is just the perfect solution! Now here is a great list to follow…your pet will thank you for it!
Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holiday…here are some VERY Important Recommendations…
Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town 
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries 
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy 
Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.Â
• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
• Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.
Forget the Mistletoe & Holly 
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers 
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow 
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up 
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.
House Rules 
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away 
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails 
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own 
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year’s Noise 
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.
Our Angels and my Basil want all the Pets out there to be safe!
Pop’s and his band of angels will be watching over you all from the heavens.
We love you all and miss you all more than you can ever imagine…
we will meet again. Basil sends you many hugs and we send you our hearts.
So many pets are looking for loving and caring homes…if you are looking for a perfect new furry family member…keep one thing in mind please…Save a Life…OPT TO ADOPT…it’s a WIN WIN!
A donation to your favorite rescue…shelter or pet in need makes a heartwarming gift to your loved ones all year round!
(((((HUGS)))))
Keep your eye I The Cottage Market for more meaningful and fun pet posts and remember…little things MAKE A DIFFERENCE!