Saturday, December 12, 2015

A Holiday Staycation and Pet Safety

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.  

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