Tips for a Pet Friendly Holiday

Party Animal?

If you’re making plans to entertain for the holidays, don’t forget to include some preparations for your pet.

Consider your pet’s temperament.  Some pets do well in groups.  But a shy animal -or- on the other hand, a more rambunctious one-might do better in a quiet, out-of-the-way room for the evening.

Secondly, prevent escapes.  With all the comings and going, make sure your pet doesn’t slip out of the house unnoticed.  Keep fence gates closed.  Monitor the front door. Make sure ID tags are up-to-date, just in case.

Finally, no party fare for your pet.  Ask guest to not offer food to your, pet and have a few pet treats on hand to discourage begging.

Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree

A sparkly tree and all the gifts under it can prove irresistible to some pets.  Here are a few tips to help divert disaster this holiday season.

1:  First, make sure your tree can’t be knocked over. Place your tree in a sturdy holder, and anchor it to the ceiling using monofilament line tied to a hook you’ve made sure to anchor into a stud.

2:  Cover the tree holder to discourage your pets from drinking the water, since many Christmas trees have been treated with preservative or other chemicals.

3:  Take care with glass ornaments that can shatter if knocked off the tree.  Consider decorating with unbreakable ornaments, and avoid ornament hooks.  Instead, use cord or ribbon to firmly tie ornaments to branches.

4: Don’t decorate with tinsel, which can cause serious problems if eaten.  Be careful with ribbon-wrapped gifts, as the ribbon can cause problems if swallowed.

5:  Tape down or cover electrical cords, and unplug lights when you are away.

6:  Sweep up pine needles everyday to protect your pet from intestinal distress that could result from swallowing them.