21/12/2024
Compliments of the Suffolk County SPCA, Please read.
Please follow some simple precautions to keep your pets safe during the Holiday Season. This time of the year can be very exciting yet at the same time very stressful not only for you, but for your pets as well.
Tinsel should be avoided because your pet may think that it is a toy to play with and they may accidentally swallow and choke on the tiny strings.
In addition, do not decorate your tree with popcorn or other food items and remove all edible gifts from under the tree. Never hang edible treats, such as stockings filled with chocolate and other candies on the tree or fireplace where your pet can reach it. Chocolate can be toxic to their health.
Do not place chemicals in your tree's water. It may keep your tree fresh longer, but it can prove very harmful to your pets. Do not allow your pet to drink the tree's water because it can get dirty very quickly and many pine needles fall into the water dish. A tight-fitting tree skirt over the tree stand may help to prevent this. Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water in his/her own dish at all times.
Holiday plants, such as poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, and holly are very poisonous to your pets. If these plants are ingested, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious problems. If you purchase these items for your home, please make sure that they are out of your pet's reach.
Before your family celebrations, make sure that your pets have a safe, quiet area where they can rest. It is best to keep your pet safely in a bedroom where they can escape from all the noise and festivities. If your pet enjoys having company come over, just make sure they do not become too overwhelmed.
After you have had your fill of holiday turkey, ham, chicken, and/or roast beef make sure you throw those bones away - do not give them to your pet! You might think that you are giving them a treat, but actually you may be threatening their health. Bones can splinter easily and cause damage to your pet's throat and intestines. Bones can also become lodged in your pet's throat, which may result in your pet not being able to breathe.
After your gifts are opened, quickly dispose of all plastic wrappings, ribbons, and bows that can be easily swallowed by curious pets.
Perhaps most importantly, PLEASE make sure that all of your pets have proper ID tags on at all times because if your pet were to become lost, you would have a much greater chance of finding them if they have identification.
