How To: Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Don’t let Fido or Fluffy hurt themselves during the most wonderful time of the year; that’s the last present they’d want to get. Keep tabs on your pet to ensure that they have a very merry holiday.

• Put that décor up…way up. Make sure that you don’t hang your decorations too low for the rascals to get into. Light fixtures should strictly be overhead so your pet doesn’t get electrocuted, and Christmas ornaments should dangle on the higher end of the tree.
• Make the seasons bright. Heated decorative lights outside of your home could attract animals, harming them if they get too close. Protect the critters by spraying topical animal deterrents.
• Burnin’ up. If your holiday of choice requires candles, consider getting battery-powered ones. If any sort of accident should happen, whether your pet bangs into or knocks over the candle, both they and your house will remain char-free.
• Secure your tree. If possible, try to sturdy up your tree by attaching it to the wall or a ceiling hook. If your pet runs into the tree, your tree won’t knock over.
• Cover the stand. Sap from pine trees combined with water makes for a lethal combination for your pup or kitten.
• Candy canes and popcorn garland on the tree? Anything with a remote scent or taste shouldn’t be sprucing up your holiday wonderland. Nibbling on candy canes and poinsettias isn’t good for the poor animal, anyway. If they happen to eat something and get sick, call up your vet or local poison control center.
• Pets are like babies. They like to put things in their mouth that they can’t swallow. Get sturdy ornaments that don’t have detachable parts.
• Spoil your pet. To guarantee that your pet’s not getting into too much debauchery, give them something to play with. They’ll appreciate being spoiled and you won’t have to worry about your decorations as much.