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The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone.  Large family feasts, festive decorations and cold weather are what makes the holidays special to us.  To your pet these same things can cause some big trouble.  Following are some things to think about in keeping your pet safe and healthy around the holiday.
 
HOLIDAY PLANTS
Many people don't know that the plants we use to decorate our house for the holidays can be deadly to your pet.   Poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are all dangerously toxic.  Keep your pet from chewing and ingesting any leaves or berries from these plants.
 
ORNAMENTS
Glass ornaments, ornament hooks, ribbon, tinsel and a number of other things can be swallowed by your pet.  These objects can then become lodged in the intestine causing a blockage requiring surgery.  Cats and tinsel usually do not mix.
 
TREE WATER
The water used to water real Christmas trees can be dangerous to pets with diabetes.  The water is can be very sweet and when your pet drinks it, it could cause your pet to become ill.
 
CHOCOLATE
The darker the chocolate the more dangerous it is to your pet.  White chocolate is not dangerous, baker's chocolate is dangerous.  Anytime your pet ingest anything other than it's own diet the chance for stomach upset is possible.  When it comes to chocolate it can be toxic.
 
OUTSIDE DANGERS
During cold weather there are a number of dangers outside to protect your pet from.  Antifreeze is a deadly poison commonly lying on the ground in parking lots and driveways during the winter months.  Antifreeze tastes sweet to animals and therefore is commonly ingested.  Clean up any antifreeze spilled on the ground or use one of the "pet friendly" antifreezes available on the market.  
 
In cold weather it is important the keep the hair between the pads of your pet's feet trimmed so that snow does not get packed up between the pads.  Packed snow could cause the pads to become frostbitten.  Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water during cold weather.  Animals can become dehydrated quickly during the winter months.  
 
The holidays can be a wonderful time for you and your pet if you use some common sense and keep your pet out of trouble.
 
Happy Holiday,
 
Robb