6 Holiday Pet Safety Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we prepare to make gingerbread pups, pooch-angels and say “Feliz Navi-dog,” remember that the holidays can bring some new dangers for your canine companions. With these six helpful tips, your playful pooches can enjoy the festive season, too! Wendy Diamond from Animal Fair Magazine was here to explain.

She was also joined by dog Snoopy, who is up for adoption from the Humane Society of New York (306 East 59th Street, New York, NY).

1. Step Away From the Dinner Table!
One of the best things about the holidays is the yummy food. We may be tempted to let Fido have a little turkey or nibble on some mashed potatoes, but these treats can be as deadly as they are delicious. Turkey bones can splinter and tear your pup’s stomach, while the fat from the turkey can also be “ruff” on the pancreas. Anything that contains a lot of oil and fat can be a holiday nightmare for your little friend, so stay away from those latkes this Hanukah!

2. Relax by the Fire!
I don’t think it needs to be explained that it can get pretty cold during the holiday season, so make sure your pets are nice and toasty. No one wants to imagine their little companion shivering in the cold, so keep your pet warm with a doggie sweater or little booties for their paws. If you are a parent to an outside dog, make sure their house is insulated, warm and dry. I’m sure you hate it when your roof leaks!

3. Sometimes, you have to be a Scrooge
Everyone loves exchanging gifts at Christmas or Hanukah, but leave your pet out of it for the time being. Now, before you get ready to send me hate mail, remember that your pooch can choke on pieces of wrapping paper or the gift itself, if small enough. Your dog doesn’t need to leave empty-pawed, though. As long as you are right there watching and open the gift for the canine, doggie gift giving should be fine.

4. No Mistletoe Kisses!
Who doesn’t love a sweet kiss under the mistletoe on Christmas? However, this festive plant may look tasty to your furry friend, so keep any holiday plants out of reach. If ingested, mistletoe can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Not fun to clean up! Other plants to keep away from your pet this holiday season are Holly, Poinsettias and Christmas cacti. Fortunately, it is still perfectly safe (and encouraged!) to give your pet a big kiss on his or her nose under the mistletoe!

5. Who says it’s better to give than receive?
Some people think it’s a good idea to give a lovable dog or cat as a gift for the holidays. This is not always a good move if the receiver is blindsided. Pets aren’t like an ugly pair of socks that you can just toss aside if you don’t want them. Instead, give that special someone some information or literature about adopting, so that they learn everything they need to and can adopt when they’re ready.

6. Tree Safety
Whether you own a natural tree or a fake one, make sure it is well managed so your little Santa “Paws” avoids injury. Make sure all of the lights are off when you leave the house and all of the wires are out of the way. You don’t want your pet to have an electrifying Christmas! If you own a real tree, keep its water out of reach from your pet and never add chemicals to it. Remember to always make sure your tree is firmly held in place. Remember, dogs can’t yell “timber!”

For more information, visit www.animalfair.com.