Posted on December 18, 2017
Holiday Safety Tips for Pets
With Holiday festivities well under way, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Division offers these five important holiday safety tips for your dog and cat:
- Food— Chocolate candy, chocolate/cocoa products and other foods like grapes, onions, raisins, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol can make your pet very sick. Keep these items out of "striking distance" of your dog and cat and never place these goodies under the tree. Having a buffet spread for your friends and family? Secure the area so that your pets cannot have their own private celebration. Don't forget about the trash can and garbage bags-a pet's paradise, but a sure-fired way for them to get very sick!
- Holiday Decorations— All of those traditional holiday plants, like poinsettias, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large branches and leaves from the plants can also become stuck in the intestinal tract of your pet. Place all foliage on high shelves or areas away from your dog or cat. In addition, make sure your tree is secured so that it can’t topple over onto curious pets. If you add preservative to the tree's water, place a screening over the tree's bowl so pets cannot drink it—the formula typically has small amounts of fertilizer in it. If you have wreaths, garlands, glass ornaments and small bells, hang these items well out of a paw's reach. Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments are especially dangerous to pets if they chew or swallow them.
- Alcohol and Medications - Keep the eggnog, brandy, wine, beer, and other "spirits" out of the reach of thirsty dogs and cats. Also, remember that while a bottle of alcohol may be sealed and closed, the punch bowl on the buffet may appear to be a "water bowl" to your dog or cat. Remind family member and guests to keep all prescription and over-the-counter medicines locked up and out of the way of nosy pets-including the stuff.
- Electrical Cords and Wires— Keep them hidden, or route them through PVC pipe to ensure your pet doesn't play with or chew them. Be especially mindful of phone chargers, ear buds, headphones and other miscellaneous wires/cords that your guests may bring with them. Pets love to chew the ends of this stuff, so make sure that the cord to that new cell phone or tablet stays safe in the box.
- ID Your Pet— Most importantly, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. Pets can easily escape through the front or back doors when guests come into your home. Remember that all dogs and cats (even "indoor cats") within Broward County must be registered and wear the Broward County Rabies Registration tag on their collar. This is the best way to ensure that your pet is reunited with you if he or she becomes lost during this holiday season.
