Holiday Pet: Safe HintsAs a pet sitter I must make sure the holiday pets I care for are holiday safe! Decorations and Christmas Trees are at the top of my list.
To help pet owners prepare I am sharing The Valley Humane Society list of suggestions on how to make a safer holiday season for your pet:
Decorations:
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are festive, beautiful and POISONOUS to pets. Once ingested, they can all cause severe intestinal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system disorders. If you include them in your holiday decor, please make sure they are kept out of the reach of your companion animals.
Keep lighted candles away from your pet.
Christmas Trees:
Make sure your tree is anchored in a sturdy base so that it can’t be easily tipped over. If ingested, tree needles can cause injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Vacuum frequently. Beware of Broken or splintered glass ornaments. Avoid tinsel if at all possible. Should your pet swallow it, it could become ill.
Electrical cords for tree lights can be perceived as an attractive chew toy and result in a powerful shock. Cords can also become tangled around a pet which could cause a tree to fall over on them or worse yet, create an electrical short or fire. Secure them well out of hams way.
Do not leave wrapped food gifts under the tree. Wrapping paper and bows can also cause problems if swallowed. Put them out of reach if your pets are inclined to tear into packages.
Diets:
The key to keeping your pet healthy is to maintain a consistent diet. Do not give your companion animal a “treat” of holiday leftovers. Unaccustomed food in your pet’s diet can trigger digestive problems.
Do not give your companion animal a bone. They can splinter when chewed and eventually puncture the intestinal tract. Bones purchased in grocery and pet stores are a safe substitute.
Never give your pet chocolate. It is highly toxic to animals — causing stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhea.
House Guests:
Guests can be stressful for a companion animal unaccustomed to a house full of people. Time alone with familiar toys and blankets can prevent your pet from getting nervous around visitors. Unfamiliar faces can turn normally docile animals into aggressive ones
About Deborah J Laughlin, Founder/CEO
In 1981 after frequently having the dilemma of finding care for my pets and home while I was away I decided to start a professional pet sitting service. I truly understand the concerns that pet and home owners face when trusting someone else to provide care for their home and pet. House Calls has a knowledgeable and trustworthy team of pet sitters with a deep love and reverence for animals. Learn how our customers receive a personal pet sitter who remains the same with each request. About Us!
Happy Holidays,
Debbie June Rickman Laughlin
Offering pet sitting and dog walking
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We moved to a new house so we lost our precious friend who babysitted our boy for 8 years. It was hard to even think about any vacation because it meant we had to find the best babysitter for Leonardo. My friend highly recommended Lisa Burks and her company House Calls 4 Pet. Just talking to Lisa first... More
Thank you Yuliana, for taking the time to share your experience with the care of your special boy while you were away!
