December

To help keep the season joyful, remember that some of the preparations could expose your pets to potential hazards.   While we always love to see you and your pets, the last thing you need during this busy holiday season is an unplanned emergency visit to the pet hospital.  Please keep the following in mind over the holidays: 

• Decorations such as ornaments and garland look like a toy to pets.  Keep them higher on the tree and out of your pet's reach to prevent your pet from ingesting them.

• Electrical cords for lights can cause burns if pets chew on them.

• Gift wrap and ribbon make a tantalizing toy for kitties, but if swallowed, can become a life threatening situation.  Keep your pets out of the room while wrapping the presents and remove all gift wrap and ribbon after the presents are opened.

• Table scraps and bones may seem like a nice treat for your pet, but they can cause your pet to become seriously ill.  Offer them a pet approved treat or biscuit instead.   

                                                                

While the thought of giving a pet as a gift is a very sweet one, the reality of the situation is far different.  Understand before giving a pet that the animal requires a lifelong commitment that extends past the holiday season. 

There is a significant cost for healthcare for a pet in addition to the expense of daily upkeep.  If you are gifting a child with a pet, consider the level of responsibility that is required on their part to make a loving and proper home for that pet. 

Giving a pet as a plaything sends a wrong message and everyone but the child will end up with the duty of caring for the pet.  If you are giving a puppy as a pet, remember that the dog needs training in quite a few ways.  It requires a steadfast commitment and patience that the receiver of the gift may not be prepared to give.

Too many puppies and kittens end up in shelters due to the fact that people become overwhelmed after the initial glow of the gift giving is over.  Also consider the type of puppy you are getting for a person...will that breed of dog fit someone's lifestyle or will it be too much for them to handle? 

To ensure that the glow of happiness from the initial gift does not wear off and become resentment, think long and hard before giving any pet as a gift.  Both the pet and receiver of the gift will be much better off if the decision is thought through and well planned. 

During the holiday season, it's a tradition for many to decorate the house with live plants and wreaths, but before decking the halls, be sure to consider your pets.  Many plants are poisonous to household pets, and caution is necessary when displaying them around the house.  Here are some of the top plants that may present a problem for your pet if ingested:

• Poinsettia

• Philodendron

• Day Lily

• Easter Lily

• Most Ivy plants

• Iris

• Caladium

• Elephant's Ear

• Dumbcane

• Hyacinth

• Lantana

• Mistletoe             

• India Rubber plant

• Weeping Fig

• Yew

• Aloe Vera

• Amarylis

• American Holly  

The Humane Society has published a list of potentially poisonous plants, along with the part of the plant that may be toxic and the type of plant it is. 

With the holidays upon us, don't forget to give a gift to your most steadfast of friends...your pet!  Here are ideas to get you started:                           

• Make a donation to your favorite pet rescue organization in your pet's name, and then celebrate together with a biscuit. We have a list of rescue groups if you need help deciding which to donate.  

• New food bowls

• Clothing for your small or hairless pet that can protect against the chill of the season

• A new leash or harness

• Pamper your pet with grooming products....there are shampoos, brushes, toothpastes and dozens of other things to spruce up your cat or dog.

• Choose an interactive toy for your pet...for a cat, a battery operated Fling-A-String that you can hang from a doorknob is a great way to keep them active.  For a dog, you can choose from an array of chew toys, balls and bones.

• A scratching post for your cat

• A cushy new bed

• Pet gift baskets and stockings that provide multiple toys and treats in one package