The holidays are almost upon us. That means friends, family and fun. To ensure your furry friends enjoy this season as much as you, check out these quick safety tips
Christmas Tree Ornaments
They’re shiny and bright colored and kind of look like cat/dog toys. They’re also pointy, plastic and often crack into sharp pieces. Be really cautious if your pets are really attentive to your ornaments or decorations.
Plants and Flowers
Brightening your home with holiday plants and flowers can be a lot of fun and also present a few concerns for your pets. Even non taxic plants can cause tummy issues. Here’s a few to look out for.
· Amaryllis
· Azaleas
· Chrysanthemums
· Evergreens
· Holly
· Ivy
· Juniper
· Lily
· Mistletoe
Glittery Tinsel and Ribbon
Resist It! It’s so much fun to play with our cats with ribbon. It can also be very dangerous and is a major cause of emergency veterinary surgery around the holidays.
Anti-freeze and Ice Melt
It’s cold around the holidays which means lots of chemicals to combat the cold. Remember that anti-freeze is both sweet to the taste and deadly. Ice melt can also be extremely hazardous to your pets and can be picked up on the paws and ingested.
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees have one big concern outside of the obvious ornaments and falling concerns. And that is the water. Whether the water has fertilizers or chemicals or not, it can still cause stomach issues for all of your pets.
Lights and Wires
With lights and decorations come lots and lots of wires. These are not only dangerous from the obvious electrical concerns but also from a swallowing and strangling hazard.
Unbaked Bread Dough
Unbaked bread dough can be both painful and dangerous. When a dog eats bread dough it will expand in their stomach as it digests. Keep them away.
Toys and Batteries
Kids toys have a lot of small and swallowable pieces that can cause damage to your pet’s insides. And small batteries, especially the watch style batteries, can wreak havoc on your pet’s stomach.
Alcohol
Pets do not metabolize alcohol like humans. Most holiday drink are really sweet. Some even contain milk products cats love. (i.e. Eggnog)
Christmas Sweaters
Yes, your pet looks adorable in its sweater, reindeer antlers, scarf, etc. If your pet is not used to being clothed, be sure to keep your eye out for chewing and choking hazards.
Purses and Bags
Candy, medicine and little things that look like really cool cat toys can all be found in your guests purses or bags. Be sure to keep pets away. Your guests don’t necessarily know all the “pet proofing” you do.
Holiday Guests
Holidays bring a lot of parties and family gatherings. Remember that not all of your holiday guests are animal people. Also remember that not all of your pets are guest pets. May be best to keep them safe in their own room to prevent them getting out of the house or into dangerous situations.
**Real Estate Pet Project is a group of over 1,200 real estate agents dedicated to helping you move with your pets. Our elite Pack members donate their time, expertise and money to help the rescue community with the goal to “End animal abuse, neglect and homelessness by supporting shelters and rescues throughout our communities.”**