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Tips to keep pets safe during the holidays

By Dr. Tracy Acosta, McClatchy Newspapers, Source: MCT News Service

With the holiday season upon us, the excitement of the period involves celebrations in which family pets are an integral part. However, the holidays hold a few hazards that you will want to be aware of so that you can make this hustle and bustle time fun as well as safe for the whole family.

These recommendations are especially important for those who have a pet around for the holidays for the first time. Hopefully, these tips will help keep all of your pets from getting into too much trouble with Christmas and other holiday decorations.

	 Realizing it will truly be a challenge to keep their curious noses out of

harm's way, I ask that you pass on the following suggestions to anyone who has pets. As the responsible pet owner you must take these precautions to avoid potential dangers.

_If in doubt that something may be a hazard, get down to your pet's level and look at life from the pet's perspective. Pets don't have hands to examine things, so when they find something new, they often pick it up with their mouths to see how it tastes and feels and whether it might be good to eat.

_Christmas trees, both live and artificial, can serve as a huge danger for the curious. For instance, chemicals you may put in the water to keep your tree fresh are not good for your pet to drink. Make sure that no pet has access to the tree stand and its water.

_Low-hanging ornaments and tinsel are easy targets. If you have pets, I do not recommend using tinsel at all and hang non-breakable ornaments on the lower branches, if you hang any at all at your pet's level.

_Next up for dangerous items, the multiple electrical cords abundant both inside and outside. It is important to wrap cords up and to place them out of the way to keep pets from chewing on them and being electrocuted. For some reason, the sparkle of Christmas light strands is fascinating and delicious to some pets. I will never forget Chipper, who survived passing several segments in his earlier days. All I can say is "ouch!" It is best to restrict your pet's access to decorated areas, especially when you are away. Who can forget the cat on "Christmas Vacation" who met its untimely death by chewing on the electrical cord. I cannot tell you how many cat and dog owners have told me that they arrived home to the horror of finding the Christmas tree knocked over. Secure your tree to an adjacent wall with fishing line.

_Candles are another common house hazard. The flickering glow can easily attract any pet, but especially cats. Place candles in appropriate holders out of reach or jumping reach of your pets. Keep fireplaces screened off properly.

_Holiday plants are another common danger. Poinsettias can irritate the lining of your pet's mouth and intestines but are rarely fatal from toxicity. Your pet would have to ingest a huge quantity to cause serious results. Poinsettias are primarily considered an irritant but mistletoe, holly, Jerusalem cherry, amaryllis and other flowering bulbs can be toxic. Place them out of reach.

_Like any other holiday throughout the year, food is another topic to consider. It is quite the norm for us to indulge in large meals and to have an abundance of holiday cookies and candies throughout the house. Remember, you can show your pets that you love them in other ways besides indulging them with inappropriate human goodies.

Remind guests to respect your wishes to not offer your pet human food. Better yet, I highly recommend keeping your pets away from the party, possibly in a quiet bedroom with low music to keep them distracted. This will allow you to enjoy your party and not worry about your pets running out the door or getting food handouts.

_New Year's is a loud and raucous time of parties, fireworks and noisemakers, all of which can be stressful to any pet. Spend time with your pet before the guests arrive or before you go out. Some pets may even need a light sedative to get through the excitement, especially fireworks. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian which options are best.

By taking a few simple common sense precautions, you can ensure that your beloved pet will enjoy the fun of the holiday season safely, along with the rest of the family.

I wish all of you and your animal companions a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

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Dr. Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital. If you have questions for this column, write to South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS 39560 and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

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(c) 2009, The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.).

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