So, with the holidays coming up, I thought it might be a good idea to put together a comprehensive list of ideas to keep our pets safe and ourselves sane during the holidays!
For me, I long-ago purchased a set of plastic ornaments. They make molded, not painted, plastic ornaments now that are every bit as pretty as the glass ones. Also, instead of the hangers, which can fall off and are dangerous if kitty eats them, I twist-tie the ornaments to the tree. You can even get green ones so they're totally invisible on your tree!
Anyone else? I'm sure the seasoned cat-owners have great stories of mischief and words from the wise.
Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
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slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
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Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
Very good idea!
I replaced the metal ornament hangers with plastic ones...little bit flimsier, but safer for pets. No more tinsel...
Don't have cats, who might try to climb a tree, but have had young, nosy foster dogs. This is what we now put around the tree...
I replaced the metal ornament hangers with plastic ones...little bit flimsier, but safer for pets. No more tinsel...
Don't have cats, who might try to climb a tree, but have had young, nosy foster dogs. This is what we now put around the tree...
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
Oh, a little turkey is fine for a treat, but no skin or gravy with the accompanying fat...
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
When DD was little we put the tree in the playpen and the kid outta it. Same principle...but your fence is cuter.
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
* Holiday decorations such as tinsel, lights and ornaments can be tempting, but dangerous playthings for pets. Keep pets away from holiday trimmings and poisonous holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly. Also keep animals that like to chew away from light cords. And, remember to secure the Christmas tree to prevent it from falling on playful pets.
* Give pets nutritious snacks. Rich holiday foods -- especially
chocolate -- can be hazardous and toxic for pets. Give pets treats that are specially made for their sensitive stomachs.
* Select safe pet toys. Buy toys that do not have sharp edges or removable parts and can not be shredded or ingested.
* Give pets the best gift of all-your time. Set aside time everyday to play and socialize with your pet. No other gift will mean as much to your pet.
* Pets make wonderful companions, but should not be given as gifts. Give a pet adoption gift certificate to the prospective pet owner on your list. This will allow the person to choose the right type of pet at the time when he or she is ready to make the commitment.
* Think of less fortunate animals this holiday. By spaying and
neutering pets, volunteering at a humane society, donating blankets and pet toys to a shelter, or reporting cruelty to any animal, people will be helping the less fortunate animals this holiday season.
* Make travel plans with pets ahead of time. Find accommodations that allow pets by contacting your destination city's division of tourism. If travelling by car, provide frequent rest and water stops for your pet.
* Always have current identification on your pet with an alternate phone number when you are away. If your pet is staying home, contact a reputable pet sitter or find a kennel that meets all necessary requirements for a quality establishment, such as a sanitary and safe environment and a qualified, caring staff.
* If there is no alternative to air travel, take precautions for your pet's safety. If possible, take your small pet with you on the plane in a carrier that fits under your seat. Put a blanket in the carrier for warmth. Avoid using a muzzle during the flight. Have your pet examined by its' veterinarian before the flight and get a direct flight during temperatures that are neither too cold or hot. Note: Short-faced breeds of dogs such as Pugs, Pekingese or Boxers and animals with heart or lung disease should use an alternate mode of transportation. Dogs with these characteristics have difficulty handling the rapid breathing associated with travel-induced stress.
-------------------------
AROUND THE HOUSE:
Electrical cords need to be examined before use and kept out of the reach of pets. Frayed light cords cause shock or burns and chewing on cords can cause death.
Glitter, small pieces of a nontoxic metal, is an aspiration risk for small animals, but poses no risk of poison.
Lit candles should always be watched closely as they be knocked over by pets and cause a fire. Poorly secured trees with lit lights can also be knocked over by pets and start a fire.
Party items such as alcohol, bones, cigarettes and sweets should be kept far away from pets. Ingestion of any of these poses a real threat that may be deadly.
Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly pose a real threat to animals if ingested.
Snow globes/scenes are comprised of plastic or glass domes that may cause foreign body obstruction when chewed and swallowed. The liquid portion inside is nontoxic, containing water and insoluble calcium carbonate. Rarely, the water is contaminated with bacteria and vomiting and diarrhea will result. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Instruct guests to keep main entry doors closed, and to respect your pets by not feeding them human foods, etc. Give your pets a safe, calm and private haven in a seperate room from busy activities in your home.
BEWARE THE TREE:
Angel hair, spun glass, attracts cats because of its airy movement. It is extremely fibrous, and a playful encounter can cause mechanical injury to the eye and skin. It can also wrap around the base of the tongue and cause gagging and retching until removed. If ingested, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Artificial trees, either plastic or aluminum, contain no known toxic materials. However, if a dog chews on branches, pieces may lodge in the throat or stomach and cause an obstruction.
Bubble lights are generally safe. However, older styles contain methylene chloride. Breaking and ingesting the contents of one bulb is unlikely to be a problem in most domestic animals. However, large breed dogs eating an entire string may require veterinary care.
Christmas tree water additives may contain substances harmful to pets if they drink them. Read the label carefully before use and keep your pets away from the water.
Pine needles can get stuck between footpads or even in the intestine if ingested.
Snow sprays are normally an inert substance mixed with a propellant. Dried particles pose an aspiration risk or foreign body obstruction from ingestion.
Tinsel, which is usually about 40 percent tin and 60 percent lead, are not digestible. Ingestion may result in string type foreign body or pieces of tinsel wrapped around the base of the tongue, which requires removal by a veterinarian. NEVER attempt to remove tinsel from the anus of a pet, to do so could cause serious injury, since you do not know if the tinsel may be wrapped around an intestine!
Tree ornaments made from plastic, glass, styrofoam and a variety of other materials, may result in a foreign body obstruction. Ingestion of the string, ribbon, and fibrous material can wrap around the base of the tongue or even be swallowed, requiring removal by a veterinarian. Sharp or breakable ornaments need to be kept away from curious pets as they may cause cuts and lacerations.
Paint on the ornaments is generally not cause for alarm, although antique ornaments and decorations may have been painted with a lead base paint. This may present a problem depending on the size of the ornament in relation to the weight of the animal.
Shellac ornaments, most typically made from bread dough or other food items, may cause foreign body obstruction, but are not toxic and generally pass through the digestive tract without incident.
THE FIRE MAY NOT BE SO DELIGHTFUL:
Colored crystals pose an aspiration risk and ingestion may cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Some crystals may be corrosive and cause chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus and stomach. If an animal eats a large amount, the possibility of heavy metal toxicity exists. A veterinarian should evaluate each case as treatment depends on the exact product.
Synthetic fireplace cones and logs may be composed of several different substances, including wax, sawdust and compressed newsprint. Some products contain metal salts, like copper, to produce color. Larger dogs sometimes chew up enough to cause a problem. Generally, ingestion of waxy products results in stomach upset and diarrhea while sawdust and newsprint can cause a foreign body obstruction.
* Give pets nutritious snacks. Rich holiday foods -- especially
chocolate -- can be hazardous and toxic for pets. Give pets treats that are specially made for their sensitive stomachs.
* Select safe pet toys. Buy toys that do not have sharp edges or removable parts and can not be shredded or ingested.
* Give pets the best gift of all-your time. Set aside time everyday to play and socialize with your pet. No other gift will mean as much to your pet.
* Pets make wonderful companions, but should not be given as gifts. Give a pet adoption gift certificate to the prospective pet owner on your list. This will allow the person to choose the right type of pet at the time when he or she is ready to make the commitment.
* Think of less fortunate animals this holiday. By spaying and
neutering pets, volunteering at a humane society, donating blankets and pet toys to a shelter, or reporting cruelty to any animal, people will be helping the less fortunate animals this holiday season.
* Make travel plans with pets ahead of time. Find accommodations that allow pets by contacting your destination city's division of tourism. If travelling by car, provide frequent rest and water stops for your pet.
* Always have current identification on your pet with an alternate phone number when you are away. If your pet is staying home, contact a reputable pet sitter or find a kennel that meets all necessary requirements for a quality establishment, such as a sanitary and safe environment and a qualified, caring staff.
* If there is no alternative to air travel, take precautions for your pet's safety. If possible, take your small pet with you on the plane in a carrier that fits under your seat. Put a blanket in the carrier for warmth. Avoid using a muzzle during the flight. Have your pet examined by its' veterinarian before the flight and get a direct flight during temperatures that are neither too cold or hot. Note: Short-faced breeds of dogs such as Pugs, Pekingese or Boxers and animals with heart or lung disease should use an alternate mode of transportation. Dogs with these characteristics have difficulty handling the rapid breathing associated with travel-induced stress.
-------------------------
AROUND THE HOUSE:
Electrical cords need to be examined before use and kept out of the reach of pets. Frayed light cords cause shock or burns and chewing on cords can cause death.
Glitter, small pieces of a nontoxic metal, is an aspiration risk for small animals, but poses no risk of poison.
Lit candles should always be watched closely as they be knocked over by pets and cause a fire. Poorly secured trees with lit lights can also be knocked over by pets and start a fire.
Party items such as alcohol, bones, cigarettes and sweets should be kept far away from pets. Ingestion of any of these poses a real threat that may be deadly.
Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly pose a real threat to animals if ingested.
Snow globes/scenes are comprised of plastic or glass domes that may cause foreign body obstruction when chewed and swallowed. The liquid portion inside is nontoxic, containing water and insoluble calcium carbonate. Rarely, the water is contaminated with bacteria and vomiting and diarrhea will result. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Instruct guests to keep main entry doors closed, and to respect your pets by not feeding them human foods, etc. Give your pets a safe, calm and private haven in a seperate room from busy activities in your home.
BEWARE THE TREE:
Angel hair, spun glass, attracts cats because of its airy movement. It is extremely fibrous, and a playful encounter can cause mechanical injury to the eye and skin. It can also wrap around the base of the tongue and cause gagging and retching until removed. If ingested, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Artificial trees, either plastic or aluminum, contain no known toxic materials. However, if a dog chews on branches, pieces may lodge in the throat or stomach and cause an obstruction.
Bubble lights are generally safe. However, older styles contain methylene chloride. Breaking and ingesting the contents of one bulb is unlikely to be a problem in most domestic animals. However, large breed dogs eating an entire string may require veterinary care.
Christmas tree water additives may contain substances harmful to pets if they drink them. Read the label carefully before use and keep your pets away from the water.
Pine needles can get stuck between footpads or even in the intestine if ingested.
Snow sprays are normally an inert substance mixed with a propellant. Dried particles pose an aspiration risk or foreign body obstruction from ingestion.
Tinsel, which is usually about 40 percent tin and 60 percent lead, are not digestible. Ingestion may result in string type foreign body or pieces of tinsel wrapped around the base of the tongue, which requires removal by a veterinarian. NEVER attempt to remove tinsel from the anus of a pet, to do so could cause serious injury, since you do not know if the tinsel may be wrapped around an intestine!
Tree ornaments made from plastic, glass, styrofoam and a variety of other materials, may result in a foreign body obstruction. Ingestion of the string, ribbon, and fibrous material can wrap around the base of the tongue or even be swallowed, requiring removal by a veterinarian. Sharp or breakable ornaments need to be kept away from curious pets as they may cause cuts and lacerations.
Paint on the ornaments is generally not cause for alarm, although antique ornaments and decorations may have been painted with a lead base paint. This may present a problem depending on the size of the ornament in relation to the weight of the animal.
Shellac ornaments, most typically made from bread dough or other food items, may cause foreign body obstruction, but are not toxic and generally pass through the digestive tract without incident.
THE FIRE MAY NOT BE SO DELIGHTFUL:
Colored crystals pose an aspiration risk and ingestion may cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Some crystals may be corrosive and cause chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus and stomach. If an animal eats a large amount, the possibility of heavy metal toxicity exists. A veterinarian should evaluate each case as treatment depends on the exact product.
Synthetic fireplace cones and logs may be composed of several different substances, including wax, sawdust and compressed newsprint. Some products contain metal salts, like copper, to produce color. Larger dogs sometimes chew up enough to cause a problem. Generally, ingestion of waxy products results in stomach upset and diarrhea while sawdust and newsprint can cause a foreign body obstruction.
..........Traci
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slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
- Location: Canton, MI
- Contact:
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
How about tips for securing the tree? I'm in an apartment, and I *shouldn't* put a lot of holes in the walls, but I will to secure the tree. What's the best way that you've found, especially for kitties that love to climb things?
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
A fake table-top tree, in another room, closed off completely to the cats 
A sturdy tree stand, and a large screw on the wall with a strong rope from the tree to the wall
Decorations only at the tip of the tree
No tree, no decorations
In all seriousness, it depends on your cats, how curious they are, etc. Whatever you decide, you have to make sure a tree is sturdy and safely secured to something, because shiny dangly ornaments are like toys to cats. Be careful with the ornaments you use, and I strongly recommend never using tinsel.
Petsmart has christmas toys for pets...I'd suggest getting a few of these brightly christmas-y colored toys and placing them in areas far away from the tree, to help encourage the cats that the TOYS are their "ornaments".
A sturdy tree stand, and a large screw on the wall with a strong rope from the tree to the wall
Decorations only at the tip of the tree
No tree, no decorations
In all seriousness, it depends on your cats, how curious they are, etc. Whatever you decide, you have to make sure a tree is sturdy and safely secured to something, because shiny dangly ornaments are like toys to cats. Be careful with the ornaments you use, and I strongly recommend never using tinsel.
Petsmart has christmas toys for pets...I'd suggest getting a few of these brightly christmas-y colored toys and placing them in areas far away from the tree, to help encourage the cats that the TOYS are their "ornaments".
..........Traci
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slvrwhispr
- Posts: 1366
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 11:48 pm
- Location: Canton, MI
- Contact:
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
I hate tinsel anyway. I like a tree with lots of lights, rather than tinsel. And, the plastic ornaments are seriously the greatest things ever made. They're all one piece, so they can't separate from the little metal top part. They're not painted, so it can't fleck off and get eaten. And they're virtually indestructable, so even if kitty does manage to get them off the tree (which takes a lot of doing if you use twist ties!) they can't hurt themselves or the ornament.
I *think* what we're going to do, since we have a fake tree that's really light, is use a couple of thick screws into a stud and use sturdy string to anchor the tree to the wall. Hopefully that'll give enough support for when the tree inevitably gets climbed so it doesn't come down.
The other thing I'm doing is getting SoftPaws for Izzy. Hopefully, the lack of nail grip with the caps will keep her from climbing very high, since the trunk is just a metal tube rather than an actual tree with bark.
I *think* what we're going to do, since we have a fake tree that's really light, is use a couple of thick screws into a stud and use sturdy string to anchor the tree to the wall. Hopefully that'll give enough support for when the tree inevitably gets climbed so it doesn't come down.
The other thing I'm doing is getting SoftPaws for Izzy. Hopefully, the lack of nail grip with the caps will keep her from climbing very high, since the trunk is just a metal tube rather than an actual tree with bark.
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
Be careful with twist-ties, kitties can chew on these and get harmed by them.
Sorry to discourage you, but I just caution with the tips because all too often, many owners don't pay attention to what they're doing, and pets can get harmed during the holidays. Personally, I don't have trees anymore...if I decorate, they are decorations high up on walls, or using centerpieces, etc that are large enough not to be caught in a mouth, and non-harmful to the cats.
Sorry to discourage you, but I just caution with the tips because all too often, many owners don't pay attention to what they're doing, and pets can get harmed during the holidays. Personally, I don't have trees anymore...if I decorate, they are decorations high up on walls, or using centerpieces, etc that are large enough not to be caught in a mouth, and non-harmful to the cats.
..........Traci
Re: Tips and Tricks for Pets During the Holidays!
We always put our tree in the front window...and we have heavy sturdy curtain rods for the drapes...
I wrap a string around the (fake) tree trunk, then up around the curtain rod and secure it that way. I have also used the latch on the window to secure the tree...we have the old windows with the latch on the top half of the movable part of the window...
I am with you, slvrwshipr, I do not like tinsel...I will use garland, but not the cheap icicle things that get all over the place anyways...and I put the garland on right after the lights...LOTS of those too!!...and sort of tuck it into the tree rather than have it draping and swaying all over the place...
I have also found that, even though it does not give off the scent of Christmas and Pine...I will take cotton balls and put a (new plastic) hook through them, then keep them soaked with vinegar and placed throughout the tree...that tends to deter the kitties from wanting to get too close, once they get a wiff of a vinegar soaked cotton ball!!
I wrap a string around the (fake) tree trunk, then up around the curtain rod and secure it that way. I have also used the latch on the window to secure the tree...we have the old windows with the latch on the top half of the movable part of the window...
I am with you, slvrwshipr, I do not like tinsel...I will use garland, but not the cheap icicle things that get all over the place anyways...and I put the garland on right after the lights...LOTS of those too!!...and sort of tuck it into the tree rather than have it draping and swaying all over the place...
I have also found that, even though it does not give off the scent of Christmas and Pine...I will take cotton balls and put a (new plastic) hook through them, then keep them soaked with vinegar and placed throughout the tree...that tends to deter the kitties from wanting to get too close, once they get a wiff of a vinegar soaked cotton ball!!