HOLIDAY AND COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR YOUR PETS
For pet lovers, the holidays are a time not just to celebrate human friends and families, but the four-legged companions in our lives. While some people may think it's too much to give pets presents, other people can't imagine why one wouldn't give a gift for a favorite animal that shows unconditional love and loyalty in return.
Another thing pet lovers should do for their pets is to make sure they have as safe and as healthy a holiday as their human guests. Here are a few tips on how to keep your pet from making a trip to the vet this holiday season:
Keep that brightly-colored tinsel, ribbon, garland, or other similar decoration out of the reach of your cat or dog. If your pet is the kind that loves string toys, such items are just one more thing to play with. But if ingested, these can block your pet's digestive tract, or make your pet really ill.
Securely station a Christmas tree so that your Tarzan-like climbing pet doesn't unintentionally knock it over!
Mistletoe, lilies, and other holiday plants like them are poisonous to pets. If you'd like to have them in the house and your pet happens to like chewing on your plants, either reconsider getting such a plant, or place them in a location where it's not as easy for your cat or dog to eat them.
Delicate glass ornaments and other breakable objects can create an obstacle course of danger for your pets and for anyone else walking through. Make sure to hang them high enough so that they cannot be easily knocked over.
Menorahs and other candle-holders can be easily knocked over by a pet, raising the potential for a fire or serious burns. Keep lit candles out of the reach of pets and young children to prevent accidents.
If you're traveling for the holidays and you want to bring your four-legged friend along, make sure to get them checked out by your veterinarian before going. A vet visit will ensure that your pet is healthy and has had all its necessary shots. Also take along a copy of your pet's most recent medical records. Should something happen while you're away from home, you'll have all the information you need to make sure your pet gets the right treatment quickly.
For traveling pets, bring along plenty of food and water, and place them in a kennel or carrier big enough for them to be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably as long as they wish. Schedule enough "potty breaks" for both your human and pet companions to keep everyone happy and relaxed
Cold-Weather Tips
When you're winterizing your car, make sure not to leave antifreeze pooling anywhere that a cat or dog may drink it. Antifreeze apparently tastes great - but is toxic to pets (and to humans) that ingest it.
On cold or snowy days, try to keep your pets somewhere other than outdoors. Dogs are hardy companions; but they're not immune to the harsh weather. If they're not good around too many guests and need to be kept somewhere, give them a room in the home instead where they'll be safe, secure, and not freezing outside.
Having your pet wear a sweater and booties might seem silly, but these things are especially helpful and comfortable for short-haired or elderly dogs that do not have the same protection from the elements as long-haired dogs do. The same applies for cats.
When you bring in a pet from a wintry walk, make sure to wipe down the ice and snow between their paws. Wiping down their paws also ensures you're removing de-icing products, which can be fatal if eaten. If possible, keep warm water and towels by the door so the minute you and your pet come inside, you can give them a nice, warm paw bath.
By following the above tips, you'll spend more time creating cheerful memories with your pets, instead of facing an unscheduled (and expensive) trip to animal hospital. Plus, your pet will appreciate the most important gift you can give - your time and your effort to make your pet happy!
Sew Velcro strips into the sock opening so it can be closed up and easily reopened. Next, fill the sock with batting, scrap fabric, or dried catnip, and seal shut. In no time, your kitty will have a new favorite plaything!
