Copyright
2003. Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved.
Be sure
to make this holiday season safe and enjoyable
for everyone in your family by observing the following pet safety tips:
-
If you have a live Christmas tree, keep the water stand
covered. Pine sap mixed with water makes a poisonous drink for your
pet. The smell of a live or artificial tree may cause your pet to urine-mark
it. It may help to bring the tree into an isolated indoor room for a day or
so, so that it smells more like "home."
-
Pick up any ornament hooks, tinsel or ribbon that fall on the
floor. Your pet could experience serious internal injuries if it
ingests any of these items.
-
If you have a cat that is tempted to play with the ornaments on
your tree, decorate the bottom third of the tree with
non-breakable, plastic or wooden ornaments, or decorate only the top
two-thirds of your tree.
-
Keep holiday treats and candies out of your pet's reach.
Additionally, remember wrapped
gifts under your tree that may be food items. People food, especially in
excess, can make your pet sick. Chocolate, onions, raisins and alcohol can be
fatal to dogs!
-
Secure Christmas trees to a wall or ceiling hook with sturdy
fishing line. This will help prevent the tree from toppling over
should your pet jump on it or accidentally knock it over.
-
If you have indoor holiday lights, be sure they don't hang so
low that your pet could become entangled in them. Remember to
unplug the lights when you're not home to supervise your pet.
-
If you have a bird, make sure it is safely in its cage if
you're lighting any candles. Additionally, lit candles should be
kept out of any pet's reach, perhaps high on a counter or table.
-
Poinsettias, mistletoe berries and some other plants and flowers that are
popular during the holidays are poisonous to pets. Check with your
veterinarian or local poison control center to find out what holiday plants
and flowers you need to keep out of your pet's reach.
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