Wise words from a shelter in Colorado: http://www.ddfl.org

Keeping Your Pet Safe From Holiday Hazards

Be sure to make this holiday season safe and enjoyable for everyone in your
family by observing the following pet safety tips:

•  If you have a live Christmas tree, keep the water stand covered. Pine sap mixed with
water makes a poisonous drink for your pet. The smell of a live or artificial tree may
cause your pet to urine-mark it. It may help to bring the tree into an isolated indoor
room for a day or so, so that it smells more like “home.”

• Pick up any ornament hooks, tinsel or ribbon that fall on the floor. Your pet could
experience serious internal injuries if he ingests any of these items.

• If you have a cat that is tempted to play with the ornaments on your tree, decorate
the bottom third of the tree with non-breakable, plastic or wooden ornaments, or
decorate only the top two-thirds of your tree.

• Don’t feed your pet rich, fatty or spicy people food. Instead, add a teaspoon of
white meat or broth from holiday dinner to your pet’s food. Keep holiday treats and
candies out of your pet’s reach. Additionally, remember wrapped gifts under your
tree that may be food items. People food, especially in excess, can make your pet
sick. Chocolate, onions, raisins and alcohol can be fatal to dogs!

• Secure Christmas trees to a wall or ceiling hook with sturdy fishing line. This will help
prevent the tree from toppling over should your pet jump on it or accidentally knock
it over.

• If you have indoor holiday lights, be sure they don’t hang so low that your pet could
become entangled in them. Remember to unplug the lights when you’re not home
to supervise your pet.

• If you have a bird, make sure she is safely in her cage if you’re lighting any candles.
Additionally, lit candles should be kept out of any pet’s reach, perhaps high on a
counter or table.

• Poinsettias, mistletoe berries and some other popular holiday plants, if ingested, can
cause serious stomach upset for pets. Check with your veterinarian or local poison
control center to find out what holiday plants and flowers you need to keep out of
your pet’s reach.