Don’t forget about your four-legged friends this holiday season, Dr. Jan Pol shares his six top tips for a happy and safe celebration.
1. Tinsel in a Tangle:
During the holidays, homes are decked out with all kinds of festive decorations, but please keep tinsel and ribbons away from your pets. If swallowed, they can cause a tangled mess in their intestines that can’t be passed.
2. Frost-bite:
When taking your dog out for a walk, make sure to clean the salt and snowballs, or anything else, that gets stuck between their toes. The best way is warm water and towel dry.
3. Bone Appetit:
It’s the time of year when everyone is eating tasty treats, but don’t share table food with your pets. Put scraps in a latched container (especially the bones). Beggers get a kernel of dog food and a pat on the head. They’ll stay healthier that way.
4. Paws-itively Lit:
Candles are favorite decorative items, especially around the holidays. A lit candle gives a cozy feeling, but it can become a serious danger if you’re not careful, especially if you have an energetic, curious pet in the house. Consider LED candles for everyone’s safety.
5. Faux-Paw:
While real florals and plants make for nice decorations, some can be toxic. Keep them out of reach or choose artificial plants.
6. Home for the Paw-lidays:
Wherever your pets spend the holidays, they should all have collars and identification tags, along with microchipping, that offers a way to reach you if they get away for a little trip of their own. Always walk your dog on a leash; cats can be taught this also.
For more information head to Dr. Pol's website.