Pet owners need to be aware of hazards that are potentially threatening to their four legged family members to keep them safe. Pets are a big part of our families, and taking precautions can keep them safe and healthy regardless of the season.

Winter Hazards

The Holidays bring a lot of specific dangers for our four legged friends, and during the hustle bustle of the season, it’s easy to forget about them.

1. Many Christmas season plants are toxic to animals. Among them are poinsettias, ivy, holly, mistletoe, and Christmas greens. It is best to keep plants out of reach of your pets altogether.

2. Christmas tree safety is important, and there are a number of hazards that you may have never thought of. Do not use Angel Hair (spun glass) as it can cause irritation to your pet’s eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Replace all of the metal hooks on your ornaments with loops of fabric or twine to hang on the branches. Bubbling holiday lights are best kept away from your pets, as the liquid inside them is highly toxic. Also keep tinsel off your tree. While it is non-toxic, it presents a choking hazard if swallowed.

3. Ribbons and bows are pretty on your packages, and can look cute tied around your pet’s neck. However, think twice before putting a ribbon on your pet, as they can tighten them by getting caught on something, and potentially even hang themselves with them. The cute little pet costumes often have rubber bands to keep them in place, and those should be well supervised as well.  Package ribbons should be kept out of sight to prevent them from chewing and swallowing them.

4. New Year’s is often a raucous time of new beginnings, but you don’t want to spend time at the emergency pet clinic. Noise-makers and fireworks can often frighten your pet and cause them to bolt if a door or window is opened. Swallowing confetti can also pose a threat to your pet’s digestive tract.

5. Valentine’s Day chocolates are delicious, but do not make the mistake of leaving them within your pet’s reach. They can be fatal to animals, especially cats. This is especially true if they consume a lot or over a long period of time. The Easter holiday brings the same hazards with chocolates, in addition to small Easter toys, plastic eggs and other items, Easter baskets and colorful plastic grass that can make your pets sick.

Spring and summer

6. St. Patrick’s Day parties can often get out of hand, with everybody being Irish for the day. However, it’s important to remind everyone that your pets DO NOT drink green beer, and that alcohol is toxic to pets.

7. Independence Day celebrations filled with family gatherings and backyard cookouts should be a time of happiness and pride. For pets, the Fourth of July is traditionally a day filled with mishaps and even abuse due to fireworks. Be sure to keep your pets inside and be careful when doors are opened and closed. The loud noises and flashing lights can terrify your pet and cause them to run and hide. A small firecracker carelessly thrown can maim or disfigure an animal, and unfortunately, there are some sick people who get their thrills out of hurting animals.

Fall

8. Halloween is a time when many pets are hurt to hideous “pranks” by heartless people.  Be certain to keep all of your pets inside, especially if you have a black cat or dog. It is best if you do not allow your black pets outdoors unsupervised for a few weeks before Halloween.

Year Round

9. Candles are a hazard year round. If you use them, please be very careful to supervise them closely. Pets are often drawn to the light in a dimly lit room, and they can seriously burn themselves, and even knock them over, causing a potentially serious fire.

10. Most people are aware that chicken bones are bad for your pets, because of the possibility of splintering. Veterinarians will tell you that cooked pork rib bones and steak bones also splinter and can injure your pet as well, and that it’s best not to give them bones.