Keepin' The Tree Green...
and Your Canine Feelin' Fine!
In an effort to keep your live Christmas tree green well past the actual holiday, you may be tempted to add aspirin, sugar or commercial preservatives to its water. While they may be terrific for tree longevity, these products can create severe stomach distress, vomiting and diarrhea for tailwaggers that may stop by for a few refreshing slurps. Ditto for stagnant tree water… a breeding ground for bacteria.
Make sure your pet always has fresh water in his bowl so he doesn’t have to look under your tree for alternatives.
PSSST... just a few more days to participate in the survey in the left column of this blog! Your input may be different now that your poochy pal received his or her gifts so feel free to vote again! Hey, hound-sight is 20/20 vision!!!
Showing posts with label Tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tree. Show all posts
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Top 10 Howliday Safety Tips: Day 10
Shocking But True...
WOW, your Christmas tree, holiday lights and decorations look fantastic! But what you've created as a feast for the eyes may inadvertently be a danger zone for your pets. Here a a couple of bright holiday ideas to "chew on" so that your pets don't... chew on them, that is:
WOW, your Christmas tree, holiday lights and decorations look fantastic! But what you've created as a feast for the eyes may inadvertently be a danger zone for your pets. Here a a couple of bright holiday ideas to "chew on" so that your pets don't... chew on them, that is:
- Be sure to keep electrical cords hidden, out of reach or taped down to save your dog from electrical shocks.
- Plug your lights into a GFI outlet that will interrupt the flow of electricity if the cord becomes wet or chewed… perhaps in the mouth of an unsuspecting pup.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Top Ten HOWLiday Safety Tips: Day 2
TIP #2: Ornaments & Decorations
Bright and shiny holiday decorations are quite intriguing to pets and, therefore, bring their own set of considerations.
Tinsel is not considered toxic, however it can cause potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage or strangulation, internal cuts and abrasions if swallowed.
Because hanging ornaments have a tendency to pique canine and kitty curiosity, cur”tail” temptation by hanging them as high up on the tree as possible, using ribbon or yarn instead of metal hooks. This is especially important for those made of glass because in addition to paw pad injuries, your pet’s internal organs can be severely damaged if the remnants of a broken ornament are ingested.
Other seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous holiday decorations include:
- Bubbling lights, which contain methylene chloride that can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.
- Snow sprays and snow flock, which can cause respiratory reactions when inhaled.
- Water in snow scenes, which may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.
- Candles are another major safety hazard (especially for cats since they don't have much instinctive fear of fire). Make sure to place your Christmas and Hanukkah candles in places where your pets can't overturn them, possibly burning themselves and causing damage to your home. And of course, never leave lighted candles unattended.
Bright and shiny holiday decorations are quite intriguing to pets and, therefore, bring their own set of considerations.
Tinsel is not considered toxic, however it can cause potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage or strangulation, internal cuts and abrasions if swallowed.
Because hanging ornaments have a tendency to pique canine and kitty curiosity, cur”tail” temptation by hanging them as high up on the tree as possible, using ribbon or yarn instead of metal hooks. This is especially important for those made of glass because in addition to paw pad injuries, your pet’s internal organs can be severely damaged if the remnants of a broken ornament are ingested.
Other seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous holiday decorations include:
- Bubbling lights, which contain methylene chloride that can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.
- Snow sprays and snow flock, which can cause respiratory reactions when inhaled.
- Water in snow scenes, which may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.
- Candles are another major safety hazard (especially for cats since they don't have much instinctive fear of fire). Make sure to place your Christmas and Hanukkah candles in places where your pets can't overturn them, possibly burning themselves and causing damage to your home. And of course, never leave lighted candles unattended.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Top Ten HOWLiday Safety Tips: Day 1
Ah the sights and smells of the holiday! Is it any wonder we look forward to it all year? To ensure a fun and safe time for all… including your four-legged family members and friends… I'll be posting an important safety tip (or 2) each day for the next 10 days. Please share them with your other pet-loving pals.
TIP #1: The Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Not very… as many pets inadvertently remind us each year, sometimes MORE than once! Be sure to anchor your tree so it can't topple over. Stabilize it by putting heavy bags of flour or sugar on top of the legs of its stand, hiding them with a decorative tree skirt, and positioning the heaviest gifts closest to the trunk.
Regardless of whether you have an artificial or live tree, chewing of branches can result in injuries to your dog’s mouth or throat. Be consistent about disciplining if you catch him chomping. To deter even a teething puppy from opportunistic nibbling, spray the lower branches with a chewing deterrent such as Bitter Apple; always use as directed on the product label to keep it safe for both human and K-9 Kids.
TIP #1: The Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How steadfast are your branches! Not very… as many pets inadvertently remind us each year, sometimes MORE than once! Be sure to anchor your tree so it can't topple over. Stabilize it by putting heavy bags of flour or sugar on top of the legs of its stand, hiding them with a decorative tree skirt, and positioning the heaviest gifts closest to the trunk.
Regardless of whether you have an artificial or live tree, chewing of branches can result in injuries to your dog’s mouth or throat. Be consistent about disciplining if you catch him chomping. To deter even a teething puppy from opportunistic nibbling, spray the lower branches with a chewing deterrent such as Bitter Apple; always use as directed on the product label to keep it safe for both human and K-9 Kids.
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