Holiday Safety Guide
‘Tis the Season to be Safe
12 tips to ensure your pet’s wellness during the howl-idays
Winter and the holidays are rapidly approaching and special considerations must be taken when caring for pets. Although dogs and cats have fur coats, pets still depend on humans for protection during the colder months. The SF/SPCA’s president, Daniel Crain, offers 12 tips to keep dogs and cats safe during this holiday season:
1. The season to be giving
Giving pets as a gift, at any time of the year, is never a good idea. Many pets received as gifts often end up in shelters. Instead of adopting a pet as a gift, give loved ones a gift certificate from a local shelter. They can make a thoughtful, responsible decision for themselves after the holidays are over.
2. It’s the most wonderful time
The presence of crowds and disruption of everyday routines are upsetting to pets and increases their chances of getting lost. Make sure that pets are microchipped and wear a collar and tags at all times. Create a quiet place for them to escape from the chaos of holiday celebrations.
3. The return of the fruitcake
The number one problem veterinarians see during the holidays is pets ingesting food that they should never eat. Keep pets on a normal diet during the holiday season. Never give pets poultry bones, poultry skin, gravy, eggnog, alcohol, or chocolate. Keep pets away from holiday food and ask guests not to slip them table scraps. Make sure that kitchen counters are cleared and trash cans are secured so pets cannot get into anything hazardous.
4. Deck the halls
Holiday decorations, with their sparkling lights, pine needles, and fragile ornaments, can be a hazard to curious pets. Be sure to stand the Christmas tree on a flat surface and anchor it properly. Cover the tree stand to prevent pets from drinking stagnant water. Rub electrical cords with bitter apple or a powerful taste deterrent. For climbing felines, rub fresh lemon peel on the base of the tree. As an alternative to using glass ornaments or tinsel, decorate the tree with wooden, cloth, or natural ornaments fastened with ribbons instead of sharp hooks. Keep festive, yet potentially toxic, poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly berries out of the reach of unsuspecting pets.
5. A time to gather
The winter months are one of the busiest times to travel; however, traveling can pose significant risks to accompanying pets. Car travel is probably the best option for a pet since most trains, bus lines, and cruise ships do not allow animals. Air travel creates special risks for pets. According to the Air Traffic Association, more than 5,000 animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Depending on age, temperament, and experience, pets may be happier with a sitter or boarding kennel. When packing for travel, be sure to include the pet’s toys, bedding, a leash or harness, litter box, cleaning supplies, a first aid kit, medical records, medications, and the veterinarian’s phone number.
6. It came upon a midnight
Guardians cannot call 911 for pet emergencies, so prepare ahead of time for potential problems. Research the holiday hours of veterinarians and where to take pets after hours. Keep emergency telephone numbers handy. The Animal Poison Control Center has a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week hotline at (888) 426- 4435. See page 31 for more resources.
7. Walking in a winter wonderland
Keep dogs happy and fit with frequent walks and exercise, but don’t keep them out too long if it is cold, wet, and windy. If animals get wet, be sure to towel them off and keep them in a warm room until dry. Only use a hairdryer if a pet is not frightened of it and always keep the heat setting on low.
8. Taking off those holiday pounds
Monitor your pet’s activity level and adjust food portions accordingly. Pets who spend a significant amount of time outdoors burn more calories keeping warm, so they may need extra food. On the other hand, some indoor animals gain weight because of inactivity and may require less food.
9.hestnuts roasting
Always supervise animals around fireplaces and space heaters. Extinguish all candles when leaving the room.
10. Warming up the engine
Check before starting your car because pets and wildlife often curl up for warmth in the engine. In addition, be aware that antifreeze is tasty to pets but highly toxic.
11. Call of the wild
If your dog has to be outdoors for part of the day, he should have a warm, draft-free doghouse that is raised off the ground and does not face the wind. Cover the doghouse door with a waterproof flap and make sure houses are small enough for pets to curl up and keep warm from body heat, but large enough to stand up and turn around. Line the doghouse with newspaper, straw, or blankets, and make sure the bedding is always clean and dry.
12. Only the best will do
Always make sure pets have fresh water and that the water bowl does not ice over.
ABOUT THE SF/SPCA: The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit animal-welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless dogs and cats, providing lifesaving care and treatment to dogs and cats in need, helping pets stay in loving homes, and cultivating respect and awareness for the rights and needs of animals. Founded in 1868, the SF/SPCA is a national leader in saving lives and raising the status of companion animals. For more information, visit www.SFSPCA.org.
