Pet Lovers – Are You Ready for the Holidays?
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Max and Bella will look adorable in their Santa outfits and you already bought new pet toys and treats as presents but there’s so much more in preparing for the holidays when it comes to your pets.
Just like you safeguard your kids against certain safety hazards, the same holds true for pets. County Animals Services has nine tips on how to keep your animals happy and healthy this holiday season.
- Decorating with mistletoe, holly and poinsettias? They are toxic to animals so make sure pets can’t get to them.
- Keep stockings out of reach too, especially if they contain any chocolate, as it can be toxic to your pets. And, if you leave cookies out for Santa, make sure your pets don’t get to them first!
- Microchip your pet. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, animals may slip out the door unnoticed. If someone finds your pet, a vet’s office or shelter can scan for a microchip and you’ll quickly be reunited with your pet. Animal Services offers microchipping from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday except holidays. The fee is only $10 and includes national registration.
- Do you have a picture of your dog? Of course you do! Use your computer or smart phone and sign up for Finding Rover. This free service uses facial recognition to identify lost dogs. If your pet gets lost, Finding Rover has the photo on file for anyone who may find him. One dog was found even though he was wearing sunglasses in the photo!
- Anchor your Christmas tree so your pets can’t tip it over. If you’ve used anything but tap water for the base of the tree, make sure they can’t drink it.
- Cats love to play with tinsel and curling ribbon but then they’ll try to swallow it down. Prevent an expensive trip to the veterinarian and keep both tinsel and curling ribbon out of reach or don’t use it at all.
- Hide all electrical cords from your pets and make sure they can’t play with or knock over any candles.
- Set aside a quiet room. Many dogs and cats get overwhelmed with all the commotion that goes on over the holidays. A quiet room allows them to escape and sleep undisturbed.
- Ringing in the New Year? Your dog needs a quiet, secure place on New Year’s Eve. The loud booms from firecrackers and other fireworks scare dogs and some will do anything to escape the noise; they’ll run for miles and become lost. Create a safe place where they can hide out from the explosive sounds of the New Year and make sure your dog is wearing identification, just in case.
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The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about your pets running off or getting sick from seasonal plants and decorations. Follow these nine tips and both you and your pets can enjoy the holiday season!