Thanksgiving is over and your getting ready to decorate your home for the holidays but are your decorations safe for your pets.

1. The Christmas tree should be placed away from your pet either in another room or cordoned off ( I once placed the tree inside of a baby playpen). The pine needles on a real tree an cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness. The fir tree oils can be  irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive drooling or vomiting. The fir needles can cause GI irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture. The plastic needles of an artificial tree can also cause oral irritation and the short wires can damage the intestines. Also the artificial material can release toxins.  The tinsel on the tree reflects light and can move easily which is very attractive to many animals.Once the tinsel is eaten, it can cause serious injury to your pet’s intestines as it twists and bunches up. The bright ornaments can be knocked off with a swish of a tail so  glass, aluminum and paper ornaments  should be placed higher up on the tree. An ornament  within your pets’ reach can be chewed and swallowed and the  broken pieces form sharp edges may cut your pet’s mouth, throat and intestines. They could also create a choking hazard.  The tree water may contain preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents, such as aspirin which may have harmful or deadly consequences for your animals (and children) who drink the water. Use ribbon, yarn or lightweight twine to hang your ornaments and not metal hooks which can be very dangerous.

2. Christmas lights that deck your trees, (both inside and outside), windows and even the candles on the table can all be dangerous for your pet.  Tongue lacerations and possible death can occur from electrical shock if your pet chews on an electrical cord. You should check your holiday lights for signs of fraying or chewing and use a grounded three-prong extension cord. Candles should be  placed in hard-to-reach spot so that your pets can not knock them over causing a fire or seriously burning your pet.  Fireplaces should have a fire guard.

3.Gifts, bows and ribbons  can cause a choking hazard and ultimately twist throughout the intestines which can lead to emergency surgery and even death. The gifts themselves could be dangerous for your pet if they tear open the package and start chewing or eating the gift.  Any gift that  has small parts that can cause a chocking hazard for children will also be a hazard to your pet. Batteries that are chewed and pierced can cause chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning, whose swallowed whole can cause an obstruction.

4. Many foods that we prepare for the holidays  are not good for your pets. Nuts, chocolate,  fatty meats and bones are all hazards to dogs and cats.

5. Other plants that are used during the holiday season can be dangerous. Holly branches can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Mistletoe can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and death when ingested. Poinsettias can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting.

6. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is a sweet- tasting very palatable poison. A very small quantity can cause serious kidney damage and can be fatal.

7. Your pets should have a warm, dry place to live during the winter months.

8. Keep the front door close until you know where your pet is to prevent them from darting out the door when visitors come.Also provide a place for your pet to go to get away from the visitors.

Please decorate safety and have a wonderful holiday.