pet tips

While people may not be able to easily detect its presence by spying a spill or simply smelling, pets can easily sniff it out. Antifreeze has a very good, sweet taste to pets and, if they spot it, they'll likely quickly lick it up. Even small doses of antifreeze can be lethal so be careful of any spills, and store bottles far out of any pet's grasp. Some types of antifreeze use propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol – propylene glycol is found in many lotions and toothpastes and is less toxic to pets than the former. However, less toxic does not make it safe so, even if you stock this product, take the same precautions as you would for any dangerous chemical!

If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, bring him to the doctor immediately. Vets can perform a variety of tests for this liquid – if a pet has ingested ethylene glycol, they can shine a special light on the animal's muzzle and paws . . . the ethylene makes the affected hair glow under this florescent light and speeds up the diagnosis process.

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Next up, while decking out the tree, are those pretty twinklers! Unfortunately, Christmas lights still come with electric cords, and while we've already discussed dangers of cords from electronics, these cords are no different. Like babies, puppies often chew when they are teething – this puts them at the greatest risk of bad results from naughty nibbles. Many dogs chew to relieve stress and anxiety and, when stressed, anxious, or just plain curious, they often choose the nearest, least appropriate thing to chomp. To keep them safe, tack cords to the wall behind the tree out of pet's reach when they are not plugged in, and apply a chew deterrent like Grannick's Bitter Apple or Nature's Miracle Best Behavior Pet Training Aid to the wires. These products have a strong smell for pets that will discourage biting or licking. And remember, not only is chewing the cord dangerous, pets could also pull the tree down on top of them if it's not secure!

If you have a favorite anti-chew spray or solution for your pets, share it in your comments below!

Along with hanging plants, adding potted plants or flowers is a common seasonal touch to create a festive holiday home. While some don't appeal to pets at all, others can be very dangerous if nibbled on. The first risk of potted plants actually comes from the cocoa mulch. Many florists use cocoa mulch in potted plants – its chocolatey smell attracts animals, and it is just as lethal to them as the real thing. Before purchasing, check with florists about the contents in the soil.

To read about potted plants that can be dangerous to animals, read more

Next up in our ten tips, it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly (and other seasonal plants)! Check out my earlier posts on pets and plants to recall common, dangerous plants and some home remedies to deter pets from eating safe greens. If there is any question about whether a plant is toxic, don't bring it into your home or consult the ASPCA first. Don't underestimate the range of twitching noses, batting paws, and pure pet willpower! To see some common, hanging seasonal plants that can put your pets in danger, read more

Our third tip as part of the Ten Tips series involves Christmas decorations. I already talked about the dangers of sneaky snacks and tumbling trees, but I'll discuss the ornaments that go on next:

• Tinsel. These shiny strings appeal to kitties and puppies alike. If pets eat this stuff, it can slice up their gastro-intestinal system or ball up and cause an internal blockage. Tinsel and other small items are extra difficult to see on x-rays, meaning that it may take some time to diagnose . . . time that your pet will not likely have.
• Hooks. Never use metal hooks to hang ornaments on trees in animal-filled homes. Pets could swallow it (think fishhook) or cut their paws if stepping or batting at these sharp objects. Try tying and looping ornaments on the tree with strings instead.

To see the rest of my list, read more

There's nothing wrong with decking your halls, but make sure to decorate high out of pet's reach! In a home with furry family members, don't hang candy canes, popcorn, berries, or other food items on your tree, and save those nuts and candies (especially chocolates) in the cabinets. While you're busy cooking up dinner, or sipping eggnog, pets could be up on the table devouring your sitting out snacks!

Most animals have an amazing ability to find their ways onto and into things they shouldn't be messing with – remember, if they can smell when you're eating, they can likely sniff out food in presents, too. Make sure Santa comes right before it's gift-opening time so nosy pets don't get any extra time to scratch-and-sniff their gifts!

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Hooray, I bought my Christmas tree over the weekend! And, of course, as PetSugar, I had to purchase the tree from a local animal shelter where all proceeds go to the animals in need. Lucky for me, North shows zero interest in the Christmas tree, but I know that not all pet owners are so fortunate. Some pets are curious to sniff or snack on tree needles, and could get so eager about their investigations, that the tree comes a-tumblin' down. Not good! When picking out a tree, choose a large sturdy one that fits securely in its stand and, if you have a climb-prone kitty, consider tying the top of the tree to the wall to stabilize. Another great option is to purchase a mini Christmas shrub that can sit on a table or cannot be pulled over easily while on the floor.

To see tips on where to place the tree, read more