Holiday Tips
Holiday Plants -
    As the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, it’s great to have colorful plants
    inside to brighten things up.  However, many traditional holidays plants are toxic to pets.  The list includes: Amaryllis, Cyclamen, Christmas Rose, Holly, and Mistletoe.  The Poinsettia, long consider to be toxic, may now be on the non-edible list, but the sap can still be an irritant to eyes and skin, so you still may want to be careful.  The ASPCA has
    a long list of toxic plants on their website www.aspca.org.  They also have a poison control number to call if you think that your pets may have been poisoned 1-888-426-4435. (There is a fee for the use of this service.)

Holiday Foods -
    As you serve special holiday meals to family and friends, there may  well be foods that are not good for your pets.  While you probably  wouldn’t ever think of giving them directly to your pets, be careful that guests or children due not leave these foods  where your pet can accidentally reach them.  The list includes: alcohol, avocado, chocolate, coffee, turkey bones,  macadamia nuts, raisins, nutmeg, and anything sweetened  with aspartame.  You may say “well, my dog ate something like that before and nothing happened”.  Perhaps, you should consider yourself and your pet fortunate and don’t risk another occurrence.

Holiday Decorations -
    Again, at this festive time of year, many decorations are traditional.  But you might want to consider making some changes, especially if you have a new pet this year.  The traditional Christmas tree is fine, but be make sure that your dog or cat cannot drink from the water.  It may contain fertilizers or bacteria which could cause stomach upsets.  Also, many people add aspirin to water to help the tree (and other cut plants) absorb more water and last longer.  Make sure that your pets ( especially your cats) don’t drink this water.  Avoid placing  foil tinsel and glass ornaments  where your pets can reach them.  And consider that  popcorn decorations may just be too much of a temptation.  Also, make sure that your pets can not get into any liquid potpourri.  A little change may insure that you all have a safe and happy holiday.
     

The holidays should be festive celebrations.  A little extra care could insure that you don't have to face the crisis of a poisoned pet.  The ASPCA has poison control information at www.aspca.org.  They also have a Poison Control phone number 1-888-426-4435.  (There is a fee for the use of this service.)

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