FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2021 55
The holidays are an exciting time for all, and that includes our
four-legged friends. However, it can also be a dangerous time if we're
not aware of what's good and bad for our pet's health.
Keep an eye on your Christmas tree. It looks beautiful to you and
you can bet it's also pretty intriguing to your pet. Christmas trees are
a centerpiece in most family homes over the festive season, but they
can be a potential hazard.
Cats love to climb trees, so cat owners must fully cat-proof their
tree, ensuring it is well anchored and all decorations are securely
fastened higher up and towards the center of the tree so they are
harder to access. Most cats dislike the sensation of aluminum foil
on their claws, so you could try wrapping the foil around the base of
the tree to deter them. Make sure any water in the tree base is kept
covered so no inquisitive pets take a drink.
Christmas decorations can also be potentially hazardous. Pets
love to play and chew anything they can get their paws on. If they
swallow decorations which are lying around, they could choke and
the object may need to be surgically removed.
Beware of seasonal plants,
too. They might look pretty to
you, but there are plenty of festive plants that can be harmful to pets.
You should be mindful of poinsettias, Christmas tree pine needles,
holly, mistletoe, and acorns. All of these can cause irritation, stomach
issues, and are a choking hazard.
Keep stress levels down. Having people over can be exciting for
your pets, but it can also be a stressor. So it's important to keep an
eye on any abnormal behavior. Continued contact during the lock
downs provided some pets limited interaction with new people and
experiences. Therefore, if people are going to enjoy a social holiday
gathering this year, it is crucial that they ensure their pet is calm
and relaxed. The easiest way to achieve this is to create a cozy room
with their favorite toys in a quiet area of the house to which they can
escape.
The Tails and Trails group wishes all of you and your furry family
members a very safe and joyful holiday season! ~ Vivian Walker,
vivr@sbcglobal.net
Tails & Trails - All Pets
