I have not been writing recently because I have been working on completing my cookbook Read, Cook, Eat which is now available through Amazon.com, Kindle and other fine bookstores. I also spent the month of November writing a new novel to a book series. I'm currently sending our queries for my Murder in the Stacks series. Naturally, this has curtailed my travel plans, but I am planning a cross country road trip to the East Coast for next year.
My activities have curtailed my travel and as Mom's know that happens. This year, we are spending the holidays at home and something that has been especially on my mind this season - our new kitten! She has made me especially anxious this season and has me asking, "How do I keep her safe during Christmas and New Year’s Eve!" To help , I discovered that following hints so let's help keep your dog, cats and other pets safe during Christmas and
New Year’s Eve so they can enjoy the holidays with you.
Many of us do not
realize that Christmas traditions we take for granted are actually dangerous to
our pets.
Holiday Foods and Beverages
Alcoholic beverages during the holidays are tempting to some
pets. All mixed drinks, such as eggnog and rum punches, are toxic to pets but
are tempting since they are mixed with items that generally attract their
interest. Chocolate poisoning can be fatal, so place foods, such as chocolate
chip cookies, away from pet and discourage the kids from “treating” your pets
with human food. Signs of chocolate and
other food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. If your pet shows, signs of any of these
symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.
Christmas
Christmas decorations such as ornaments, decoration hooks,
and tinsel when swallowed can cause choking and internal trauma. Christmas tree
water is often overlooked at a hazard. Stagnant or preservatives in the water
can cause stomach upset. Certain holiday plants such as holly, poinsettias, lilies,
and mistletoe are toxic to pets. Keeping these plants in a home with cats is especially
dangerous since cats are naturally attracted to them by their scent and can
climb to reach them.
Small toys and parts, if swallowed, can cause pets to choke
or damage their intestinal track. Make sure children watch pets at they play
with their new toys on Christmas day. Their pets will be excited to see new
things in their environment and investigate. Purchasing special toys for pets
helps keep them occupied while open gifts.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s is a noisy holiday. Try to keep you pets confined
if you are having a party indoors. Loud noises often frighten pets and may
cause them to run off. New Year’s Eve decorations such as balloons and confetti
can cause choking or intestinal blockages if ingested. Alcohol is toxic to all pets so avoid leaving
out beverages where animals can access them.
