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Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: City Sidewalks
In many states, it is legal to put down lime-rock salt or calcium-chloride salt to melt the snow on city streets. However, this seemingly innocuous substance is very poisonous to dogs – when pups return inside, and lick their paws, it can cause them to throw up (or worse). Also, its rough texture can cut their little feet and put salt in their wounds, literally .
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Freezing Temps
Never force a pet to spend time outside in the winter. Just because a pet has a fur coat, does not mean that their bodies or hair can handle the cold. Many pets love the winter and have thick appropriate coats, but little, short-haired dogs or cats can get frostbitten quickly.
Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: Driving in the Dark
As temperatures continue to drop throughout much of the US, and the hours of daylight seem less and less every time you hit the snooze button, these unfortunate changes also present extra risks for your furry friends. Right off the bat, I think it's a good time to bring even those outdoor kitties in. Not only does this season bring about the risk of freezing, but if pets wander off and cannot find their way home, the dangers are great.
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Antifreeze
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.
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Christmas Lights
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.
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Potted Plants
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.
Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: Hanging Plants
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.
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Hanging Tree Decorations
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.
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Stop the Sneaky Snacking
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!
Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Choosing a Tree
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.
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