Try to decorate your home according to the age, activity level and temperament of your pets and children. If they are young and active, consider homemade expendable ornaments. These are also a great, safe and fun family project.
Use velvet bows instead of hooks to hang ornaments
Ornaments
Consider using non-breakable, pet proof ornaments. For example, try homemade decorations made of cardboard, plastic, dried non-toxic flowers, fabric and wood pinecones.
Use two-tone ribbons instead of garland, tinsel and angel hair. This is especially important for cat owners. Cats love to eat and play with tinsel and angel hair. If they ingest either, they can block and obstruct their intestines. This condition often requires expensive surgery to correct and remove. Veterinarians call this a linear foreign body when it is viewed on an x-ray.
Keep aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers away from your pets. They can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage
Batteries
Keep batteries away from your pets. They contain corrosives which can ulcerate your pet’s mouth, tongue and intestines, whether they are bitten on chewed on and/or swallowed.
Liquid Potpourri
Liquid potpourri, which is often placed in decorative bowls and simmering pots and Sachets are very popular during the holidays. They are also very dangerous, especially. to cats. They can easily spill onto your cat’s fur, for example, if your cat rubs against them. The result is that they are then ingested accidentally, as your cat grooms himself. Once ingested they can cause ulceration and damage to your cat’s mouth, skin and eyes.
If this occurs-give your cat a bath in warm ivory soap, wrap in towel, offer warm milk and call your vet. Most cats recover in a few days of mouth.
Pet Safety Tips for Lights, Electric Cords, Candles & Fragrances
Lights
Buy UL approved lights and turn them off when you’re not home and at night while you are asleep.
Electric Cords
Electric cords and extension cords are popular to chew on especially. for puppies. Hide them in empty wrapping paper tube and cover them with cute foil. Try taping them securely to your floor. Buy pet proof extension cords. Owners can also spray cords with bitter apple or chew stop to deter pets from chewing on them.
Candles
Candles are fragrant and enticing to pets, especially curious puppies. Place them up high out of paw reach. Fires are a hazard to pets and the fumes are toxic to birds. Wagging tails can easily knock candles over, burn your pet or worse yet start a fire.
Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are a good idea. Cats like to use the fireplace for a litter box.
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute.
Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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