Holiday Hazards

The Holidays ignite festive thoughts in all of us, from the extravagant turkey dinners which are followed up with 2 helpings of warm pumpkin pie, to the Christmas tree covered in tinsel and lights, and the chill in the air that is warmed by logs in the f ire. Unfortunately, these holiday staples can be hazards to the family pet. The following is a list of safety tips provided by the SPCA and the American Animal Hospital Association to protect your furry family member.

* Keep the Christmas tree stand covered. The water used to keep the tree fresh can be poisonous when it is mixed with pine sap.

* Holiday decorations should be kept out of reach of pets. Tinsel, hooks and small items can become lodged in your pet?s gastrointestinal track. Glass or delicate items can also become harmful if broken.

* Holiday treats are rich and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Items such as chocolate and bones can be deadly.

* Secure holiday lights so that pets can not chew or become tangled in them.

* Many Holiday plants are poisonous. Keep poinsettias, mistletoe berries and lilies away from pets.

* When lighting a fire or turning on a space heater be attentive to where your pet is. Pets can easily burn themselves on these hot surfaces.

* Keep your pets inside when the weather is cold. If you must keep them outside be sure to provide them with shelter and blankets. Remember that cold weather may irritate pets with arthritis making them susceptible to slip and falls.