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Holiday Pet Safety

Christmas is great for fun, family and friends to get together. But what about Cats and Dogs? Many pet owners don't realize that a holiday they enjoy so much may be dangerous to animals in our homes. Below are some tips to make sure everyone has a safe Christmas and Holiday Celebration:

BONES: Never feed any sort of animal bones (raw or cooked) to your pet. These bones splinter easily and can be caught in the pet's throat, causing choking. Bones can also get caught in the pet's intestine, which can require surgery.

TABLE SCRAPS: It seems like one or two scraps won't do any harm, right? Just a taste will go a long way for animals, since they are so much smaller than humans. Avoid the temptation of giving scraps of turkey or Ham skin to your pet – the butter and seasonings can do harm. Other common ingredients in a Christmas feast that could be toxic to your pet include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol. To be safe, don't give pets any foods they don't usually eat.

COOKING CARE: Keep an eye on pets while cooking. Sometimes a little kitten or pup near your foot can create a disaster when carrying a platter of food. Keep all your pets out of the kitchen and away from the busy holiday stir.

PARADES, FESTIVALS – Not Good for Pets: Leave your pets safe at home if you're attending holiday events such as parades, festivals or tree-lightings. Floats, large balloons and crowds can be a blast for your kids, but dogs can get sacred or turn aggressive at these events.

DESSERTS AND SWEETS: The last things your pet needs are sugar and fats. Sugar can lead to obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes. Keep the sweet treats and Christmas Cookies for humans at your holiday gatherings.

OTHER HAZARDS: Toothpicks from appetizers, skewers for holding the Christmas Day Ham together while roasting, and decorations are just a few random hazards that most people don't think to watch out for. These items can be harmful to your pets and can result in splinters, choking, and diarrhea.

What You CAN Do With Pets Around Christmas

• Get your pet out for a walk or take time to play with your pet before company arrives.

• Try dividing up your pet's food into portions so that the animals can eat at the same time as family and guests. This will decrease the amount of begging at the Christmas Dinner table!

• Put out approved dog or cat treats around the rooms where you entertain.

• Provide a private refuge for pets.

• Make sure garbage cans are tightly sealed to keep your pet out.

• Make sure your pet has water available. Little kids tend to knock over pets' water dishes, so keep an eye on them.