Holiday Pet Perils
Holidays are a festive time of year when we decorate our homes with lights, wreathes, and garland. We erect trees clad with ornaments, more lights and tinsel. Our kitchens overflow with food. All these changes to the environment mean many opportunities for your pet to become injured or sick.
     Both cats and dogs like to chew on electrical cords and sometimes these cords can be irresistible when they are run through your pet's favorite place to sleep. Be mindful of where you run the extra extension cords when putting up the holiday lights.
     Trees are so tempting to cats that most owners need to assume that their cat will attempt an ascent. Make sure you unplug the tree before you leave the house, isolate the cat-or both. Toppled trees are a fire danger, even with artificial trees. An unsupervised cat and a Christmas tree is a recipe for disaster. Blocking the base of the tree can deter climbing and can discourage both dogs and cats from drinking the tree's water, which can cause upset stomachs.
     Ornaments can look very tasty and most pose a danger to your pet. Many ornaments are made of glass which can cause severe intestinal problems if eaten. Garland, ribbons, yarn and bows are especially dangerous for curious cats and can create intestinal blockage if swallowed.
     Dogs are notorious for swallowing batteries, which can cause burns and intestinal blockage, so keep batteries off the floor and out of their grasp. Candles and fur are a bad combination. Make sure all fire is beyond the reach of your pets.
     Poinsettias, holly berries, and mistletoe are toxic to animals and should be placed out of the reach of curious pets. Keep an eye on these plants, if you notice a change in their foliage, your pet might be chewing on them.
     Keep pet care emergency room information handy. The Animal Hospital Center is an emergency hospital in Aurora. Their phone number is 303-740-9595. This is especially important during the holidays. Timely emergency care can mean the difference between life and death in some instances.
     Trees are so tempting to cats that most owners need to assume that their cat will attempt an ascent. Make sure you unplug the tree before you leave the house, isolate the cat-or both. Toppled trees are a fire danger, even with artificial trees. An unsupervised cat and a Christmas tree is a recipe for disaster. Blocking the base of the tree can deter climbing and can discourage both dogs and cats from drinking the tree's water, which can cause upset stomachs.
     Giving your pet alcohol or chocolate is always a bad idea. Dogs who have been given alcohol have been known to vomit and twist their intestines in knots. This type of injury will require surgery to correct or the animal will die. Other human food and beverages can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Play it safe, stick to your pet's regular diet and avoid human treats.
     Make sure your pets have their collars on with identification when company arrives. Visitors can inadvertently let your pet out, which can damper everyone's holiday. It is best to secure your pets until all the in and out commotion has settled down.
Pet proofing your home for the holidays is yet another task that you'll have to squeeze into your already tight schedule. Thousands of pets become injured, sick and lost each year. Making time to insure your companions are safe will pay off in the long run, insuring that your pet does not become part of a sad holiday statistic.

Aurora Location 895 Laredo Street Aurora, CO 80011 303-694-2002 Email Tenaker                         ABKA Accredited Boarding Kennel