The Humane Society of the United States is reminding people that as they celebrate the season, many of the things that make the holidays special — the hustle and bustle of travel and large gatherings, festive food and beverage, and holiday decorations and plants- may also pose hazards for our canine and feline friends.
HSUS is offering these tips to keep our four legged family members healthy and happy.
- A number of seasonal plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten, including ivy, holly, mistletoe and others.
- Keep holiday decorations away from pets. Tinsel, bows, ribbons and wrapping paper can be tempting chew toys for pets, but can damage their digestive systems. Remember to keep tree ornaments high enough that they’re out of your pet’s reach.
- Provide your pet with a quiet, out-of-the-way room during holiday parties. Though some pets may enjoy socializing opportunities, others will be overwhelmed by the excitement of a party.
- As you enjoy candy and other treats during the holidays, please don’t share with your pets. Chocolate can be especially hazardous. And individually wrapped candies are double troubles as some pets might eat both the candy and the wrapper.
- Avoid the urge to give you pets table scraps, especially bones. Bones easily splinter and can cause serious health problems, even death.
- If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter instead.
- Don’t leave candles unattended. Pets may accidentally knock them over and spill wax or start a fire.
Think twice (or three times, at least) before giving an animal as a gift. The recipient of your furry gift may not be ready for the commitment involved with the lifetime care of a pet. Instead of a puppy or kitty placed among the presents, give the gift of adoption. Many shelters offer adoption gift certificates so the recipient can be actively involved in choosing the perfect pet who will share their home for years to come.
If you are going to add a pet to your family at this time of year, choose adoption and visit your local animal shelter. Wonderful dogs and cats are just waiting in shelters to find their forever home. If you must purchase a pet, know your breeder. Pet stores and online animal dealers cater to impulse purchases during the holidays and most of their dogs come from puppy mills. Puppy mill dogs are generally kept in overcrowded cages with poor quality food, a lack of socialization, minimal medical care, and too many suffer from an array of immediate veterinary problems and long-term genetic problems.
